UQ Ipswich's first crop of doctors
THE first Medicine students to complete their degrees at the University of Queensland (UQ) Ipswich have graduated and recited the Hippocratic Oath.
Michelle Craigie and Robert Illingworth were among the 38 students who graduated from the MBBS, or Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery, program at UQ Ipswich.
They both attended high school in Ipswich, and were excited to realise they could study close to home.
"The small class size that Ipswich had to offer for MBBS was a huge tick for me, not to mention being closer to home," Ms Craigie said.
"Ipswich was also an area of need for doctors so it was a great opportunity to study and go on to practice in a community that had supported you through your training.
My actual experience at Ipswich UQ was even better than I thought it would be.
The MBBS program began in January 2009.
At the graduation UQ pro-vice-chancellor Professor Alan Rix recalled the plans to roll out the program many years ago.
"The enthusiasm of all the staff involved was not only infectious but effective, and the results have proven the worth of the initial proposal," Prof Rix said.
UQ Ipswich MBBS program head Prof Geoff Mitchell said it had been his privilege to be part of it.
"This group of students has been a phenomenal first class," he said.
