Bond University Medical Students 5th Cohort for 2025 Completed Six-Week Clinical Internship at Gizo and Helena Goldie Hospital, Solomon Islands
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) through the National Referral Hospital (NRH), acknowledged eight senior final-year medical students from Bond University, Australia, who successfully completed a six-week clinical internship at Gizo Provincial Hospital and Helena Goldie Hospital in Munda, Western Province from 25 August to 3 October 2025.
The internship was made possible through mobility grants provided by the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan. Since 2013, more than 300 final-year medical students from Bond University have undertaken clinical internships in the Solomon Islands, with more cohorts expected in the years ahead.
This initiative is a testament to the Solomon Islands Australia Health Partnership, which continues to strengthen the country’s health workforce and improve service delivery through meaningful learning exchanges between local and Australian clinicians.
Reflecting on their time at Gizo Provincial Hospital and Helena Goldie Hospital, the students expressed admiration for the skills and dedication of local doctors and nurses and their ability to deliver quality care despite resource constraints. They noted that the limited resources encouraged them to apply innovative approaches and problem-solving skills in their clinical practice.
Beyond their clinical internship, the students also engaged with the local community. At Gizo Community High School, they conducted science lessons and shared their personal journeys into medicine, serving as role models for aspiring young Solomon Islanders. Their message was clear and inspiring, ‘with hard work and dedication, local students can also pursue careers in medicine’.
Mr. Richard Hiva, Principal of Gizo Community High School, expressed his gratitude and thanked the team for the visit.
“The students really learnt from the presentation. After the session, they mentioned that they are ready for any questions on the topics we discussed. Once again, thank you very much for visiting our school.”
The initiative demonstrates the broader impact of international education partnerships, fostering cross-cultural exchange and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals in Solomon Islands and the Pacific region.
Adding to their unique experience, the students also had the opportunity to meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his visit to the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Meeting in Noro. One of the students, Grace, shared that the Prime Minister was “friendly and genuinely interested in their experiences, congratulated them on nearing graduation, and thanked them for their contributions to patient care and strengthening ties with Solomon Islanders.”
MHMS expresses its sincere appreciation to Bond University, the Australian Government, and Helena Goldie Hospital for their ongoing partnership in building health workforce capacity through practical, hands-on clinical experiences.
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-MHMS Press Release