36 Graduate Doctors to Boost Mackay Services

Mackay residents will soon benefit from an influx of new medical professionals, as Queensland Health welcomes a record 930 first year graduate doctors across the State in 2026. For the first time, Queensland has attracted more first year graduate doctors than anywhere else in the country, surpassing last year’s record of over 880.

The Government says this milestone is part of its commitment to delivering easier access to health services and supporting communities across Queensland.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Tim Nicholls met with some of the 94 first year graduates beginning their careers at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. He said attracting new doctors and retaining them in Queensland Health was a key element of the government’s Easier Access to Health Services Plan.

“This record intake of the next generation of doctors shows our plan to grow our workforce is working,” Minister Nicholls said.

“We know that attracting and retaining doctors at the start of their medical careers means more accessible care and better health outcomes for Queenslanders.”

“Talking to these new doctors as they commence their careers with us at Queensland Health, seeing and hearing their energy and commitment, gives me confidence the next generation of doctors is ready to step into the frontline and continue making a real difference in their communities.

“As Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, I’m committed to talking with clinicians at every stage of their career, to find out how the Crisafulli Government can support them in the delivery of excellence in health services.”

National data confirms Queensland now receives the highest number of first year graduate doctor applications in the country, overtaking New South Wales and Victoria.

“This speaks volumes about the reputation of our hospitals, the Queensland lifestyle, and the opportunities we provide for young doctors starting their careers with Queensland Health,” Minister Nicholls said.

Queensland’s new intake will gain experience across rotations including emergency medicine, cardiology, orthopaedics, anaesthetics, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, intensive care, mental health, general medicine and surgery.

Nine regional and rural hospitals - including Mackay - will welcome first year graduate doctors this year. In Mackay specifically, 36 new doctors will join the local health workforce, helping to strengthen frontline services for the community. Many graduates from metropolitan hospitals will also have opportunities to undertake rotations in rural and remote areas, ensuring a wider distribution of skills across the State.

Additionally, 56 of the 2026 cohort have already chosen specialist careers through the Queensland Rural Generalist Pathway, which equips doctors to deliver high-quality care to regional, rural, and remote communities.

With this record intake, Queensland takes another step toward its goal of adding 46,000 health staff by 2032, ensuring residents in Mackay and across the State have access to world-class healthcare now and into the future.

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Mackay will receive 36 new doctors in 2026. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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