Kickstart your medical career as a doctor at Western Sydney Local Health District

Are you looking to work at one of the largest and most technologically advanced research and medical institutions in the southern hemisphere?

If so, here’s your chance. Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is looking for junior doctors as part of NSW Health’s annual junior medical officer (JMO) recruitment campaign.

The campaign encourages the future generation of doctors to join local health districts in order to gain the valuable skills and training required for the role.

Growing up in western Sydney, Blacktown Hospital JMO Mithila Zaheen started her career as a junior doctor in 2020.

Having worked the better part of her medical career on the frontline in a global pandemic, Mithila no two days are ever the same.

“I feel so at home in western Sydney. Everybody is so down to earth, approachable and easy to work with – it makes coming to work every day worth it,” Mithila said.  

“Like any big hospital, Blacktown is very busy, but as a JMO, working under these conditions really helps you upskill and gives you endless opportunities to learn.

“The population is diverse, the culture is diverse, the workplace is diverse, and because of that, you are exposed to a whole range of different cases and experiences.

“I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.”

First year JMO Theodore Iannuzzi grew up in rural New South Wales and said nothing could have prepared him for his first week at Westmead Hospital.

“As a student, you can never really know what work on the frontline is like until you get there,” Theo said.

“Everyone tries to tell you that it will be super stressful all the time, but you get into a routine, you get used to the pace, and you learn that there is always someone there to talk to and to lean on in those times.

“I feel honoured to say that I work in one of the biggest tertiary hospitals in NSW. You are presented with the opportunity to see lots of different things on a daily basis.

“We have most, if not all, specialities at Westmead, so no matter what you interested in are, you can bet that you’ll see it here.”

Auburn Hospital emergency doctor Alvina Ng said she would encourage all JMO’s to apply for a position at Western Sydney Local Health District.

“I did a lot of my student placements at Blacktown Hospital and was lucky enough to start my medical career there.

“I knew I wanted to stay in western Sydney, so when an opportunity at Auburn Hospital came up, I knew I had to take it.”

Alvina said the people at Auburn feel like family to her – and that the medical workforce, no matter the seniority, really care for each other.

“It’s a great working environment at Auburn Hospital. Like any work place, it can be challenging, but this exposure to hard or complex situations only makes you a better doctor,” Alvina added.

“Regardless of which hospital you are in those first few weeks or months as a JMO can be quite stressful, but WSLHD will ensure you are well supported and that you are constantly learning.

“Stay strong and just go for it! That’s my advice!”

WSLHD employs more than 1,600 medical staff, with many of them starting their careers at one of our facilities and still remain to this day.

Applications are open now for 2022 Junior Medical Officer positions with NSW Health. Trainee positions are available in all speciality areas, including psychiatry, general medicine and emergency medicine.

Applications for the main round close on 12 August 2021.

To find out more, and apply, click here.