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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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.
From: Perth, WA
Previous Degree: Bachelor of Computer Science, UWA
Expected year of graduation: 2023
Interested in: General Practice
What did you do before medicine?
I grew up here in Perth and did an undergrad in computer science at UWA, graduating in 2013, which makes me a senior citizen.
Next, I fell into a 5-year long career in software development, which never really captured me. I ended up thinking that if I had to do something for 40 hours a week, it would be best if I was doing something that interested me, challenged me, and felt important to me. Software development never really ticked those boxes, but the idea of being a doctor sounded like it might.
Naturally, the obvious solution to this was to quit my job and go back to university to study medicine, and I'm shocked at how well this plan has continued to work out.
The downside is that working only 40 hours a week now seems like incredibly wishful thinking, but we struggle on!
What do you do when you aren't studying?
When I'm not studying, I mostly try to keep myself fit and active. Currently, I'm doing this with basketball, rock climbing, gym, and running.
I'm now also starting to work on my golf career, with the long-term goal of spending all my time outside of hospitals on the golf course, to help contribute to doctor stereotypes.
That, alongside being a full-time dog-dad, is more than enough to keep my hands full outside of all my learning commitments.
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.