What are the True Costs of Training Pathways?

How much does it really cost a doctor to specialise, including in the highly competitive field of surgery?

In this episode, we go beyond tuition fees and exam costs to explore the true cost of training pathways, including the financial burden, time, uncertainty, and the impact on life outside medicine.

You’ll hear from three doctors at different stages of their careers:

• Dr Sumudu Welikumbura, a general surgical registrar who is currently balancing training with parenting.

• Associate Professor Janelle Brennan, Urologist at Bendigo Health and Director of the North West Victoria Regional Training Hub.

• Dr Madeleine Leung, a rural psychiatrist who completed her training in at the Mildura Base Public Hospital

They discuss the difficult decisions they have had to make along the way, including around family planning and delayed career progression. But they also explain the opportunities training in regional Victoria has given them, from highly supportive workplaces, funding options and flexibility.

Ultimately, they discuss whether all the time and effort has been worth it.

For more information about the study and training opportunities across regional Victoria, head to the Monash Rural Health website.

The North West Victoria and Gippsland Regional Training Hubs have commissioned this podcast to help medical students and junior doctors learn more about training and practising medicine in regional Australia. Find your nearest Regional Training Hub here.