Student Placement Brings Dr Chamberlain Back To Mackay

Positive experiences as a student on placement at Mackay Base Hospital and his desire to become a general practitioner in a regional centre led to Dr Michael Chamberlain choosing to return as an intern.

Originally from Rockhampton, where his mother is a general practitioner, Michael studied at James Cook University in Townsville and returned to Mackay Base Hospital where he previously spent time on student placement.

“Comparatively I knew that this would be a very safe choice and being here just makes the start of my year easier,” Michael said.

“I think knowing that particularly the education support was really good and knowing people seem to be really happy here is what enticed me here as well.

Michael is joined in Mackay by his wife, who is a speech pathologist in private practice.

“Practicing in regional areas is definitely something I want to do long term - we don’t particularly like big cities and I’m less inclined to rural or remote practice, but regional practice is very appealing to me as I really like the lifestyle.”

Though he was exposed to life as a general practitioner through his mother, Michael said he didn’t always want to practice medicine.

“Growing up I didn’t really want to be a doctor, but by the end of my schooling I decided it was probably a good fit and then the more I looked into it, the more I liked it.”

Michael said an important consideration for choosing Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) was the inclusion of general practitioner placement in the internship, which is rarely offered to first year doctors.

“Regional general practice would be ideal for me - you do really get to know the community more than you think and growing up in a regional town with similar size I definitely felt that, and I also really like being able to have a steady patient base,” he said.

“A big drawcard to Mackay HHS was the general practice rotation as it was something that I was pretty excited to do.”

While he is working towards general practice, Michael said he was looking forward to his rotations across all areas and the supportive environment within the Mackay HHS team.

“Everyone seems to be very well supported and happy, so I think I’m most looking forward to practising and learning in a very safe environment,” he said.

“I think another benefit for Mackay studying here and then staying on was that we already had a support network of people not just from the hospital, but also out in the community.

“I’m definitely looking forward to improving my knowledge and getting into a routine.”

Michael added that the Mackay lifestyle was a bonus whether it was heading to Eungella or enjoying a nearby beach or simply gardening at their home.