One of Australia’s newest junior doctors is also one of its finest athletes, as Dr Jana Pittman starts her hospital training with 46 other interns at Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals.

Dr Pittman swaps her running shoes for scrubs, after seven years juggling motherhood, study at Western Sydney University, and a guest speaker business.

“I loved my athletics career, representing Australia was gold, but I hope my future in medicine will be even better,” the former Olympic hurdler said in a statement.

“It’s one of those things where you think you’re never going to get there, but it shows that if you persist with something you love, then it just might happen.”