Next generation of doctors put to the test in simulated underground mine scenarios
28 July, 2026
Junior doctors descended ‘underground’ into simulated mine emergencies as part of an innovative push to attract and retain Australian-trained doctors in regional areas like Mackay.
The immersive workshop, delivered as part of the 2026 Junior Doctors Conference in Mackay, gave early-career doctors a firsthand look at the unique realities of practising medicine outside metropolitan centres in a first-of-its-kind collaboration between healthcare and mines rescue.
Australian Medical Association Queensland (AMAQ) hosted the event in collaboration with James Cook University’s Northern Queensland Regional Training Hubs (NQRTH) to offer young doctors a practical experience that could not be replicated in a lecture theatre.
Hosted at the Resources Centre of Excellence’s simulated underground mine environment on Sunday, July 26, the program booked out well ahead of the conference, reflecting strong interest in hands-on, real-world training experiences.
Participants rotated through three emergency mines rescue scenarios – cardiac arrest from an electrical conveyor incident, loader implement entrapment and crush injury, and underground fire – which led into emergency medicine and clinical training settings.
The workshop helped junior doctors develop leadership, communication and rapid-decision making skills while working alongside experienced mines rescue personnel from Anglo American and Queensland Mines Rescue Service.
JCU NQRTH Regional Medical Training Manager Cherie Miller said supporting initiatives such as the AMAQ Junior Doctors Conference was an important part of strengthening the regional medical workforce and showcasing the diverse career opportunities available in communities like Mackay.
“Attracting and retaining Australian-trained doctors in regional communities is critical to the future of healthcare in Queensland,” she said.
“This workshop gives junior doctors and medical students an authentic insight into the range of situations and clinical challenges they may encounter while practising in regional areas — not just in hospitals, but in complex, real-world industrial environments.
“What we’re offering here is something junior doctors simply don’t get in a city-based training pathway.
“When doctors can see the impact they can make, the variety in their work and the support networks available, they are far more likely to build their careers in regions like ours.”
AMAQ President Erica Gannon said the program showcased cities like Mackay as places doctors could build diverse, impactful and fulfilling careers.
“We know how professionally and personally rewarding working in regional Queensland is and want more junior doctors to embrace opportunities across the state,” the associate professor said.
“First-hand experience of high stakes disaster response is the kind of unique training we know will spark excitement and enthusiasm for our members.”
Anglo American’s Grosvenor Mine mines rescue captain Boyd Buschmann, who this year competed in the International Mines Rescue Competition in Zambia after his team finished second in the Australian competition, developed the emergency scenarios using lessons drawn from more than 20 years in mines rescue.
He said the workshop provided a valuable opportunity to share practical experience gained over decades of emergency response and preparedness.
“If these junior doctors choose a career in regional medicine, there’s a good chance they’ll one day be called upon to support situations where these skills can make a real difference,” he said.
“The scenarios we created were designed to be as realistic as possible because that’s how people learn. We wanted the junior doctors to experience the kinds of challenges they could face managing complex situations and working effectively with other emergency response teams.
“It’s important we share our learnings with the next generation so they enter the workforce better prepared for complex emergencies whether it’s on an industrial site, at a road crash or in the community.”
Following the mines rescue scenarios, junior doctors will work with Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) senior medical staff to further enhance their judgment in clinical environments.
Mackay HHS Chief Executive Sean Birgan said the doctors involved had first-hand experience in responding to major trauma events involving multiple casualties.
“Our senior medical staff can provide invaluable insight into the realities of responding to situations like these and they are keen to inspire future rural and regional specialists,” he said.
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You can find photos and vision here. NOTE: These are simulated mines rescue scenarios for one-off use. Please do not use as images/vision for real mine incidents.