Internship Guide 2020 - Updated

What a time to be graduating and entering the workforce! As you step off the rollercoaster ride of medical
school and into the healthcare system at a time when it needs you most, I hope you take with you the faith,
kindness and optimism with which you started this journey. We have never needed you more than we do now,
and we’re excited to place our full trust in you as the next generation of healthcare workers who have all the
skills and ability to help and to heal in a meaningful way.
Now, it’s time for you to choose where you think you will be most supported, educated and inspired next year.
The Victorian intern match is not an easy process to go through, but cohorts and cohorts of interns before us
have agreed: no matter where you end up, you will have a fantastic time, meet wonderful people, learn enough
to take you to the next step of your journey. Our experience is universal but nuanced, and it does not come
without challenges. Some days will be tough; they may make you question what you know of people and of
medicine, and even the path you’ve chosen. Other days will be easier, more joyful, more rewarding, and you’ll
wonder why you ever doubted yourself or your decision to pursue this path.
Ask yourself what you want out of internship. Is it familiarity, flexibility, friends or being close to family? Is it
a supportive co-intern, a supervisor who advocates for you or hospital executive who inspire you and listen
to your local community? Is it the focus on wellbeing, work culture, rotations or training? Be mindful that our
experiences will differ on any given day on any given rotation at any given hospital, so talk to as many people
as you can. A positive workplace culture is made up of and perpetuated by the added values of the doctors,
nurses, allied health and administrative staff around the hospital. It is the people who truly make or break your
experience and I hope you come out of this with more friends and supports than you could imagine, who will
stay with you through your career and beyond.
Lastly, remember that you are not defined by this match, nor your career prospects defined by the hospital that
is lucky enough to have you as their intern. Take the time to reflect on your experiences and expectations, and
lean on the support of those around you. This is a time to learn, to grow, and to look after one another, trusting
that the challenges you overcome as you finish medical school and begin internship will make you all the better
for it.
Congratulations, and good luck!
Dr Christina Guo
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