Two young doctors from Otago were among the 17 who were welcomed into the elite of New Zealand's medical world in a ceremony in Queenstown last Wednesday.
Katya Bazley, of Alexandra, and Craig Pelvin, of Dunedin, and classmates in full regalia were made fellows of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners on the opening night of the annual conference at the Millennium Hotel.
The young doctors completed three years of one-on-one training through the postgraduate college in Wellington, in addition to their original medical studies.
College spokesman Bob Fox said most of their first year of training was in practices with a clinical and written Primex exam at the end.
In the latter two years, the students were peer-assessed by experienced doctors in general practices.
The college's five regional areas host the four-day conference in rotation.
Otago-Southland hosts the 2008 event and the conference has returned to Queenstown for the first time in 10 years.
Health Minister David Cunliffe, health select committee chairwoman Sue Kedgley and National party representatives will speak tomorrow.
