Testimonies
Dr. Helen (Thaint Shwe Sin Aung)
“My journey as a junior doctor in Mater/Calvary was an incredibly rewarding and valuable experience.
It was full of opportunities to build confidence as I was vastly involved in managing and decision making of the patients’ medical care that you can easily miss out as an intern not only in big tertiary centres but also in a small public hospital. I was able to learn tremendously as I was more involved in clinical jobs. The formal teaching sessions are also provided by St.Vincent’s health and WWRH.
The best part of my internship in Mater/Calvary was the environment. Being able to happily overcome stressful times as an intern with support and guidance from kind and communicative consultants, colleagues, nursing, allied health and admin staffs like a closed family was the highlight of my time in Sydney and Wagga Wagga.
Additionally, as you have to work closely with exceptionally supportive and empathic consultants, it is much easier to gain their shared wisdom and a good reference for your residency job applications.
I could not ask for more out of the fulfilling year I spent as a novice doctor in Mater/Calvary.”
Dr. Laura Seohyun Park
“I feel very lucky to have had the unique opportunity to complete my internship at the Mater Hospital. One of my favourite aspects of the internship program was the amazing support from everyone both at the Sydney Mater Hospital and throughout the rural rotations in Wagga Wagga.
I enjoyed working closely with all the consultants who provided direct clinical supervision and valuable teaching with each patient we saw. Moreover, having a program mentor like Dr. Coulshed, who was always happy to take the time out of her busy schedule for a chat, allowed me to feel comfortable to seek advice whether it was professional or personal. Similarly, Belinda (the JMO manager) and Merrin (CMO, education manager) were always available for any administrative, personal, or educational support allowing flexibility at work for additional training and education.
Overall, the internship program at the Mater Hospital has provided a well-rounded, well-supported internship experience where I have not only formed valuable mentor-mentee relationships but also lifelong friendships.”
Dr. Jason Chiu
“Working at the Mater has been a unique and rewarding experience. The direct supervision under VMOs and consultants has really fostered a sense of responsibility and independence, while the friendly staff really go above and beyond to help you settle in as part of the family. The first steps of my medical career seemed that much more doable knowing the people around me are all passionate in helping me grow as a clinician and as a person.
Dr Susan Coulshed was once a Mater intern herself and now a renal physician and head of dialysis, but more importantly she’s the de facto Australian mom for the diverse cast of international students turned interns each year. Passionate about teaching and supporting the up and coming generation of doctors, Dr Coulshed strives to engage her junior doctors to learn and enjoy each step of their newly started careers in medicine.”