NQRTH MBBS Summer Research Bursaries
Are you a JCU medical student eager to dive into research and make a meaningful impact in rural, remote, and tropical health? Then here’s your chance! The NQRTH MBBS Summer Research Bursary Program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on research experience over the summer break (December 2025 – March 2026).
A network of medical training opportunities
We connect medical students, interns and junior doctors with resources and opportunities to prepare for specialist training and beyond, creating stronger health outcomes in our region.
Dr Tadiwa Mashavave, Junior Doctor, Mackay Base Hospital
“It was during my time at JCU that I decided I wanted to end up somewhere rural or regional and I thought I would be able to gain a lot of hands-on skills in my junior years at a regional hospital like Mackay Base Hospital. It’s been great working with other doctors who are as passionate about rural health and the people it serves.”
Dr Hannah Bennett, Rural Generalist and Pain Specialist, Townsville University Hospital
"As a consultant in Pain Medicine, I have excellent work-life balance. Townsville is a great place to raise a family and there's so much on your doorstep here. It's just an easy life.” Read More
Dr Anthony Brazzale, Cardiologist, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service
“We have advanced trainees who come from Brisbane and want to come back here now as consultants. They tell us this is one of the best training centres in Australia. The opportunities you get up here, you’ll get nowhere else.” Read MoreKeep up to date with our latest news & events!
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26 August 2025
Cairns JCU Medicine Students Take on 333km Ride for Heart Health
James Cook University medical students will swap textbooks for bikes as they prepare to ride – or support – their way from Cairns to Cooktown all in the name of charity. The QSuper Cardiac Challenge, now a beloved tradition on the Cairns calendar, is a three-day, 333km charity ride.
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20 August 2025
North of the Norm: Why Dr Aidan Wilkinson Chose Townsville for Surgical Training
When Dr Aidan Wilkinson graduated from the University of Queensland, he knew he wanted more than just a job — he wanted a challenge, a community, and a career path that would set him up for success.
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20 August 2025
Shaping the Future of Medicine: Inside JCU’s Selection Panels
Every year, more than 4,000 hopeful applicants from across Australia and New Zealand apply for a place in James Cook University’s (JCU) Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program. It’s one of the most competitive medical programs in the country, and for good reason.
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14 August 2025
Forging a Future in the North
From JCU medical graduate to intern at Townsville University Hospital, Dr Mark Mackenzie shares how regional training, strong mentorship, and unique opportunities have shaped his career — and why he’s glad he chose to stay in North Queensland.
Read MoreThe NQRTH medical training network:
NQRTH is an initiative of the Australian Government's Integrated Rural Training Pipeline (IRTP) and is facilitated by James Cook University in partnership with public and private hospitals, Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC), health services, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and GP clinics.
Cairns region
(07) 4226 7138
Central West region
(07) 4764 1547
Mackay region
(07) 4885 7122
North West region
(07) 4764 1547
Torres and Cape region
(07) 4095 6103
Townsville region
(07) 4781 3424