Darling Downs Health has welcomed a record 61 medical interns in 2026, marking the largest intake since the program began and providing a significant boost to healthcare services across the region. The junior doctors will complete a one-year internship, rotating through specialties including emergency medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, intensive care and rural medicine. They will work across both urban and rural facilities throughout the Darling Downs. Among the new interns is Dr Reuben Burrough, who previously worked as an agricultural scientist in rural New South Wales. Inspired by the healthcare shortages he witnessed in country communities, he decided to pursue medicine and believes his farming background will help him build strong connections with local patients. Also joining the program is Dr Emma Dann, a Toowoomba local who is returning to serve the community where she grew up. Annette Scott said the interns will play an important role in patient care while gaining practical experience under the guidance of experienced clinicians. Dr Liam Flynn said the program is designed to expose junior doctors to rural medicine early in their careers, helping build a strong pipeline of doctors committed to serving regional communities. The expanded internship program reflects Darling Downs Health’s ongoing efforts to strengthen access to quality healthcare across rural and regional Queensland.