AMSA 2023 Internship Guide

PRESIDENT'S
LETTER
Congratulations on beginning this next chapter in your journey in the healthsphere! While medical
school is often quoted to be the best years of our lives there is no denying that it comes with its own
set of challenges… exam anxiety, placement stresses and generally just growing into a new version
of yourself. Despite it all, you have persevered and made it to the other end! I hope all of you
celebrate this momentous occasion with those who have supported you throughout your medical
school journey.
The Australian Medical Students’ Association is the peak representative body representing the
18,000 medical students and 23 medical schools across the country. Whether you have been
involved in AMSA throughout your medical school years or not, we are proud to have represented
you throughout your time at university. Behind the scenes, our organisation, alongside your state
Medical Student Councils and Medical Societies, have been advocating for you and every medical
student across the country to have access to an internship position.
This internship guide has been created to provide a summary of the options that lay ahead for you. I
would like to express my sincerest gratitude and congratulations to Shani Nguyen, AMSA’s
Publications and Promotions Officer and her subcommittee for the numerous hours dedicated to
putting together this mammoth document. Collating the information presented in this guide is no
simple task with countless phone calls, emails and google searches to hospital services, key
stakeholders and junior doctors over several months. We hope that you find this guide useful and
appreciate all of the work that has gone into creating this document by student volunteers.
While the internship landscape has come leaps and bounds in recent years, we know that
completing applications, preferencing or ballots can be a daunting task and a challenging time for
many medical students. Additionally, we understand and acknowledge that the system is not
always fair to individuals and is not currently fair towards international students. Please remember
that during this time if you are overwhelmed or in need of assistance, you can reach out to trusted
friends, family, Medical Society, Medical State Council or a trusted health professional. There are so
many people who want to see you succeed and we are all here to help you along the way.
Starting your internship is the next step into your incredibly rewarding, challenging and diverse
career within the health sphere. Your role as an intern is an integral part of the health workforce and
no matter where your career takes you, know that you are contributing to creating a healthier, safer
and more equitable Australia!
I wish you all the best for your internship and all the rest!
Yours in Orange,
Tish