Thirty-four future GPs and specialists from Sydney's Notre Dame University were eased into an intensive, two-year training program at the hospital's new clinical school with a tour of of the Werribee Open Range Zoo, followed by lunch with the mayor Heather Marcus at Shadowfax Winery.

Associate Professor and Head of School, Howard Parker, said the program - backed by $11million of federal funding for new training amenities to be completed by the start of 2012 - would help ease Wyndham's chronic doctor shortage.

"These new medical students represent something terrific for the Wyndham community, and good for the west in general.

"The Mercy is going to grow, it must grow along with the population. To have medical students on site makes it more attractive for the State Government to build more facilities and provide greater treatment options at the hospital."

Dr Parker hopes the placement program will attract a more steady stream of doctors to the area. "Graduates are more likely to apply for intern and residency years following their training, if they've worked in the community."

Patrick Sunderland is one of the new faces at the hospital. The graduate in economics and medical sciences recently made the move from Sydney to embark on what could become a long medical career in Wyndham.

"For me, the move is really exciting. Starting at the Mercy is a huge step towards becoming a doctor," he said.

"I'm glad my years of sitting in lectures are over,

and I'm looking forward to being in the medical environment."

The third-year students, who have already completed two years' pre-clinical training at the Notre Dame campus in Sydney, will undertake a further two years training in obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, surgery, and pediatrics at the Mercy.

They will also complete a general practice term in the local community.