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.
Are you a WAMSS member or alumnus? Tell us your story by filling out this form!
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.
From: Kalgoorlie, WA
Previous Degree: Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences in Anatomy and Human Biology, UWA
Expected year of graduation: 2023
Interested in: Obstetric & Gynaecology
What did you study/do before medicine?
Prior to medicine I studied a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, majoring in Anatomy and Human Biology, which has definitely been beneficial to my medical studies.
Moving to Perth from Kalgoorlie for university, I completed my degree at UWA and lived on campus at St Catherine’s College, where I was able to meet so many like-minded and incredible people.
At St Cat’s and throughout my undergrad, I made the most of getting involved in as many opportunities as possible, through leadership at College, volunteering around uni, rowing with UWABC and event planning for many fun, exciting, multicultural and artistic events.
What do you do when you're not studying?
When I’m not studying, I like to keep myself busy with friends, family, adventuring and being crafty.
At the moment, I am completing my third year of MD with RCS in Kununurra, where days that I’m not studying and not at prac, are filled with adventures around the beautiful East Kimberley landscape.
These adventures involve chasing waterfalls, hiking gorges, camping, fishing, swimming laps, playing netball, and volunteering with St John Ambulance to see where our patients come from and how we could assist in acute and primary care settings.
When I’m not adventuring, I often love curling up with a good movie, book or podcast and getting crafty, cooking or doing absolutely nothing…something we med students definitely need to schedule in to our busy timetables.
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.