Orange is the hospital of choice for 50 young doctors from all over Australia, who have relocated to further their experience by working at the hospital over the coming year.

Orange Health Service medical services director Louise Messara said the high intake could be attributed to the level of specialist support provided to yound doctors by clinicians in Orange.

“We have around 200 doctors here in Orange who these young doctors know are easily accessible and ready to provide any support in 10 minutes,” she said.

“It is the dedication of these consultants and specialists that is so important, as these younger doctors feel supported and able to seek immediate advice on any medical issue.”

Dr Messara said Orange was the first non-metropolitan hospital in Australia to provide advanced training in neurology for young doctors.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the Orange Health Service and is a reflection of the reputation we have as a centre for excellence for medical professionals,” she said.

The new doctors will be working in specialist areas of the hospital such as cardiology, urology and anaesthetics.

Dr Messara hopes the 2013 intake of doctors will prove beneficial to the hospital in the future, with many encouraged to stay on after the 12 month contract to further their careers.

She said the hospital’s reputation as a facility of excellence was indicated by the high number of applicants from across Australia wanting to fill the young doctor positions.

“We have had multiple applications for some of the positions, which certainly hasn’t happened before to this extent,” Dr Messara said.

Yesterday the doctors took part in an orientation day and toured the hospital, meeting senior staff and other work colleagues.

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au