The doctors will work closely with the city’s 24 current GPs for the next two years as they learn more about the challenging field of general medicine. 

Wagga local Dr Katherine Smith is among the new trainee GPs; she said she feels extremely fortunate to be able to complete her training in her hometown.

“The advantages of being able to train locally is that you’ve got local knowledge of the area and you understand the issues that are relevant to people in your community,” Dr Smith said. 

“I’ve always wanted to be a rural GP, so be able to train in a more regional setting is very advantageous.” 

Dr Smith said the personal element and constant variety attracted her to the field of general medicine. 

“I love general practice because I love the continuity of care over the lifespan – you’re there from pre-conception and pregnancy care through to childhood, adulthood, and into old age – so it’s lovely to care for people through every stage of the life-cycle” she said.

“You also never know what will walk through the door, and you get to practice every aspect of medicine.”