The group of five doctors will be working with East Grampians Health Service to gain experience in a rural hospital.

Service chief executive Nick Bush said he welcomed the interns arrival.

“This innovative program was developed to attract and retain a medical workforce with the unique skills for rural practice,” he said.

“It has been shown that doctors who train in rural areas are more likely to stay and practice.”

Mr Bush said the program is a partnership between the service, St John of God Hospital in Ballarat and the Maryborough District Health Service.

Service junior medical officer manager Sarah Woodburn said the interns were doctors who have completed their medical degrees and are awarded provisional registration.

“The intern year enables these doctors to complete their first year of practice under supervision,” she said

“This year’s interns have completed their medical degrees at the University of Melbourne and Monash University.”

Service director of medical services Dr Eric Kennelly said the program is unique.

“It provides the interns exposure to both public and private health services and regional and rural locations including general practice,” he said.

Dr Kennelly said each intern completes five rotations.

Surgical terms will occur at East Grampians Health Service, Ararat and Maryborough District Health Service and will include almost daily sessions in theatre and significant exposure to anaesthetics.

Medical and emergency terms will be at St John of God Ballarat Hospital.

General Practice terms will occur at Clarendon Medical Centre and the Nightingale Clinic in Maryborough.

It is planned to include Ararat Medical Centre in 2017.

Medical Intern Dr Tom Na said he had also completed clinical work in Horsham during medical school.

“I had an understanding of the situation whereby shortage and need of medical practitioners in these regions is drastic,” he said.

“So I was keen to practice medicine in rural areas to contribute to their health and wellbeing.

“Through Grampians Health Services Rural Training Program, I feel like I have developed close relationships with my supervising general practitioners and the community, which I think is invaluable.

“Also, it provided me an opportunity to see a broader scope of illnesses and helped me gain relevant hands-on experience in the role and procedures of the rural doctor.

“I was able to assist rural practitioners with procedures ranging from obstetrics to anaesthetics.

“All these knowledge and procedural skills I have gained through my internship will be a great asset for me as I have a passion to help resource poor communities in and out of Australia in the future.”