Celebrating National Doctors' Day
Monday, 30 March 2026 / Albury Wodonga Health
This National Doctors’ Day, Albury Wodonga Health is sharing the stories of some of our doctors.
From those just beginning their journey to those with years of experience, every doctor brings their own perspective, shaped by personal experiences, values and the communities they serve.
For Hospital Medical Officer Vidhi Master, the decision to pursue medicine has always been grounded in a strong sense of purpose.
“I’ve always believed that serving humanity is the truest way to serve God,” she said. “I’ve been fortunate to grow up in a family of doctors, so I never had to look far for inspiration. Watching their dedication and compassion firsthand has deeply shaped who I am and continues to guide my own aspirations.”
While medicine is often seen as a highly academic profession, Dr Master said the reality is far more personal.
“One of the many things people don’t fully understand about being a doctor is how much of it is personal and emotional,” she said. “It’s the constant living with uncertainty and carrying the weight of responsibility of somebody’s life.”
“It also means being there for people when they are most vulnerable, offering not just medical care but compassion, empathy and hope.”
For Marnix Bakker, the path into medicine was shaped by an early fascination with people and their stories.
“I grew up in a household where my mum loved watching medical dramas on TV, so naturally I’d watch with her,” he said. “I remember being most interested in the human side of it all — human beings dealing with human problems like illness or relationship strain. Hospitals are places where so many stories are unfolding every day.”
He said modern medicine is increasingly built on collaboration.
“Medicine has really become a team sport, and that’s a great thing,” he said. “You get to work with nurses, physios, OTs, dietitians, speech pathologists, and social workers to name a few, all to help tackle people’s situations in a holistic way. The different perspectives from the team help you do your job better and it also makes the job more satisfying.”
For 2026 medical intern Joe Burton, the journey has come full circle.
Having grown up in Albury and completed much of his medical training locally, he is now beginning his career at AWH, returning to the same health service where he once trained as a student.
Joe said he is looking forward to the broad learning opportunities that come with working in a regional hospital, while continuing to build his confidence and skills.
“My goal is simple: to become a safe, competent and efficient doctor,” he said.
Being a doctor is about far more than clinical knowledge.
It is about responsibility, teamwork and the ability to connect with people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
To every doctor across AWH, thank you for the care, skill and compassion you bring to our patients and communities every day.