There's a story behind every medical student. Read about some of the inspiring journeys others have made from applicant to medical student to future physician.
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Brendan is a mature-aged student who has really gone through the journey of academia, from completing a science degree, to a PhD, then becoming a teacher, and now finally graduating as a doctor! Learn more about his story and why he wants to pursue a career in Paediatric endocrinology in his feature.
From: Perth, WA
Previous Degree: PhD in Chemistry
Expected year of graduation: 2022
Interested in: Paediatric endocrinology
What did you study before medicine?
I finished school in the mid-90s and was keen on pursuing Medicine at university, but it did not happen for me then, so I studied a Science degree instead.
Following my Science degree, I completed Honours in Chemical Physics, a PhD in Chemistry, and a Graduate Diploma in Education. I was employed as a Chemistry technician at UWA and then, in 2008, started high school Science teaching work. While teaching, I was also studying at Bible college part time and doing a lot of volunteering in my church. During that time, I met my future wife who was working as a Science teacher in the same school.
At the end of 2008, I formally resigned my position at UWA and started my teaching career. Early in 2010 I got married and our daughter was born at the end of 2011.
After changing schools in 2016, I began thinking about my career. Around that time, I turned 40 and after some consideration, I decided that I was still passionate about pursuing a career in Medicine. With my wife's support, I began working towards the goal of gaining entry to the course.
I hadn’t studied for a long time but began the arduous task of preparing for GAMSAT and I sat it in September 2017 and March 2018. I got the exciting email late in 2018 that I’d got a place at UWA. I told my superiors at the school where I was teaching within a few hours of getting the email and put in my formal resignation letter the next day.
Why did you decide to study medicine?
Probably many of the same reasons as others in the course. In addition, as I have type 1 diabetes, I am quite keen to work in paediatric endocrinology one day and help others who face the same struggle. My own endocrinologist retired just before I started medical school after a long career – he got his MBBS in 1959. He is an inspiration and I can only hope to strive towards being as knowledgeable and skilled as him.
This course has been tough. Getting back into fulltime study at my stage of life has been challenging but I have managed to pass so far and hopefully can continue on that trajectory. The additional responsibilities can make things challenging but my family is very supportive. I’ve also found the university to be quite supportive despite the pressure of the pace and volume of material.
Journey to Medicine is an initiative by WAMSS to share medical students' personal stories about their journey into medicine, as well as their colourful lives outside of medicine.
For many of us, the journey to studying medicine isn't linear. The goal is to inspire and empower students who are thinking about pursuing a career in medicine.
Read more of our other stories:
This week we have Gaby, who’s story shows us that you can still maintain a life outside of medicine, adventuring, mountaineering, and being that ‘crazy horse girl’…
Sim has been travelling in parallel with the medical field: in bioengineering, cancer genetics, and heart regeneration research. Even after such diverse opportunities, she decided that it was time to revisit her interest in medicine.
Nathan’s journey started with a rush! 14 days before the start of the semester while relaxing in the Texas sun, his offer letter for UWA came in…
This week we have Adian Izwan, who has a love of dogs and big cats, which has somehow taken him to South Africa as part of his previous studies…
Shondell’s story is truly an inspirational one, coming from the northern beaches of Exmouth, to having her medical degree interrupted by a life-changing surgery.
With a previous life of working 40 hours as a software engineer not enough to satisfy his curiosity, Sam made the huge leap of quitting his job and embarking on his journey to medicine.
Caitlin’s experiences from the labs of Barry Marshall to the depths of the swimming pool have equipped her with a toolbox of skills to adapt and thrive in different medical environments.
Brendan is a mature-aged student who has really gone through the journey of academia, from completing a science degree, to a PhD, then becoming a teacher, and now finally graduating as a doctor! Learn more about his story and why he wants to pursue a career in Paediatric endocrinology in his feature.
Alexander’s journey is truly a windy one: starting off in a Bachelor of Arts before finding his passion (for now?) in pathology and microbiology. Danke schön for sharing!
For our first ever feature, we have Ella Forkin sharing her story about moving from Kalgoorlie to being actively involved in college, and now spending her time adventuring in Kununurra.