Pauline Lambert gets some valuable time with HMAS Fremantle’s CO, LCDR Ainsley Morthorpe.

By LEUT Steve Pullman

Pauline Lambert of Darwin has been thinking about a career as a Navy doctor, so she arranged to spend her mid-year school holidays with the medical staff at Larrakeyah Medical Centre.

LSMED Virginia MacQueen organised a comprehensive program for Pauline,a student from Dripstone High School, which included activities such as observing sick parade.

Pauline also attended consultations with the doctors and spent some time in each of the departments including medicals, physio and pharmacy.

It was considered important to show Pauline some of the traditions and other activities of the RAN, including a visit to the Commanding Officer of HMAS Coonawarra, CMDR Mark Hill, attending Colours and observing a range shoot for the ship’s company.

Pauline was shown over the patrol boat, HMAS Fremantle, which gave her a better understanding of the conditions Navy personnel encounter at sea.

It was a great opportunity for Pauline to observe an inflatable life raft demonstration and the use of various life saving devices.

Following her two-week stint of work experience, Pauline has decided she definitely wants to join the Navy as a Medical Officer, through the Undergraduate Scheme.

So watch this space as a future Navy medic could be on the way.

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