They will be familiar faces for the University of NSW Medicine first year students in Port Macquarie.

Dr Ferrington and Dr Clemson are new appointments to deliver the academic core of phase one.

Dr Ferrington relocated from Edinburgh where she taught biological sciences at Queen Margaret University.

“I saw the job and I thought that’s got my name all over it,” she said.

“I’ve long had an itch, I suppose, to come to Australia and to live elsewhere.

“I did my PhD thinking it would open doors around the world. My children are at a good age to come abroad.

“It’s now or never.”

She said it was great to be on board at the start of the full medical degree in Port Macquarie.

The first students to undertake a full six-year medicine degree in regional Australia through a major Group of Eight university begin classes on February 27.

Dr Ferrington moved to Port Macquarie with her husband Colin and children Bea, six, and four-year-old William.

Dr Clemson has lectured in biological sciences at UNSW at Kensington for several years, a role which included lecturing in medicine.

He will play a key part in teaching the phase one curriculum.

“I’m part of something new and exciting on a campus that already has an established reputation in turning out well trained graduates,” he said.

Dr Clemson said the Port Macquarie campus offered an enjoyable teaching atmosphere with a smaller student cohort.

“What I am bringing is a background in all aspects of the medical program that are offered in Sydney from practical laboratory experience through to the online education environment,” he said.

Ms Carroll, as the Phase One coordinator, has developed the schedules, curriculum details and information handbooks for the incoming student group.

Her background spans chemistry, biochemistry, education and technology.

“I’m very passionate about coordinating this course and creating an ideal environment for students to learn,” she said.

“My background in science, education and technology is ideally suited to it.”

Ms Carroll was been with UNSW at Port Macquarie for a decade.

The first year medical students will be based at the Port Macquarie Shared Health Research and Education Campus.