CDU launches new medical degree with first intake confirmed
28 Jan 2026
From 9 February, 42 students will begin studying in CDU’s new Menzies Medical Program, including two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The program has been created to increase the number of doctors trained in the Territory and encourage graduates to work locally.
The new medical degree attracted strong interest, receiving 1,900 applications this year. By 2030, CDU aims to have 200 domestic medical students enrolled on campus.
Students will be based at the Centre for Better Health Futures, where they will train using a simulated emergency department, a 12-bed hospital ward, and a range of pre-clinical and clinical simulation spaces. The course also includes learning experiences in rural and remote communities.
Among the first intake is Jobe Bonney, who will study the Bachelor of Clinical Science Medicine/Doctor of Medicine. Born and raised in Nhulunbuy, Mr Bonney said studying in the Territory was especially meaningful.
He said remaining close to family, friends and mentors would support him as he works towards becoming a doctor who understands the needs of the NT, adding that remote medical work in the Territory is both challenging and rewarding.
The program aims to address the ongoing shortage and uneven distribution of doctors across regional and remote parts of the Northern Territory.
CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said the strong demand highlighted the need for a locally based medical program, noting the Territory’s health system has unique challenges that require locally trained solutions.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who toured the facility this week, said the program would more than double the number of permanent medical students in the NT and help improve access to healthcare in the Top End as the population grows.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: Charles Darwin University