Patient experience inspires Dr Rheannon Griffin to join 2026 medical intern cohort

Inspired by a life-changing experience in hospital following the premature birth of her daughter, Dr Rheannon Griffin has come full circle, with the medical intern now joining Townsville Hospital and Health Service as one of 70 newly graduated doctors.

Dr Griffin said the care she and her family received while in Townsville University Hospital led her to pursue a medical career of her own.

“That experience showed me the impact the healthcare system can have at one of the most vulnerable times in someone’s life, and it inspired me to complete a bridging course and eventually study medicine,” she said.

“My pathway into medicine was certainly unconventional; after struggling academically in high school, I was determined to find another way to achieve my goals.”

Dr Rheannon balanced the rigours of studying medicine at James Cook University while raising two young children and was even awarded the AMA Queensland Foundation Medical Student Scholarship during her degree.

“I’m proud to have graduated from JCU as a third-generation student, and to now be giving back to the same health system that supported me and my family,” she said.

“Growing up in Townsville and having family in remote areas opened my eyes to the challenges in healthcare access outside major cities, and it’s what motivates me to provide equitable care for families like my own.

“Looking ahead, I hope to pursue a rural generalist pathway, with a sub-specialty in obstetrics, so I can continue supporting women and families in regional communities.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Kieran Keyes said he was excited to welcome the 2026 medical intern cohort.

“Our interns are joining a health service that values compassion, diversity and strong clinical training, and we are proud to support them as they take this important next step,” he said.

“Stories like Dr Griffin’s highlight the importance of accessible education, strong health services and the opportunity for people to pursue medicine through different pathways.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Service Chief Medical Officer Dr Niall Small said the intern year represented a critical transition from student to practising doctor.

“Over the next year, this cohort of medical interns will be given support and guidance to help them establish careers in medicine,” he said.

“The experience our junior doctors will gain by interning at the only tertiary referral hospital in north Queensland is invaluable and I look forward to seeing our cohort become exceptional doctors.”

Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney said this year’s medical intern cohort would help future-proof healthcare services across north Queensland.

“The arrival of each new intern cohort reflects our ongoing commitment to growing and sustaining a strong medical workforce in the region,” Mr Mooney said.

“We are particularly proud to see graduates choosing regional pathways and areas of high community need, including rural medicine and women’s health.”