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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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.
From: Malaysia
Previous Degree: PhD in heart regeneration
Expected year of graduation: 2023
Interested in: Cardiology, Emergency, Surgery
What did you study before medicine?
I wanted to be an ER doctor in high school. I initially got into med after high school but didn’t have half a million dollars to pay so I had to decline.
But I wanted to stay as close to medicine as possible, so I took a scholarship to China for Bioengineering and got a Master's in cancer genetics, while learning that you can ice skate and buy ice cream straight out of the box instead of freezer outdoors during -30°C winter.
Before you know it, I got my feet deep in research and finished my PhD in heart regeneration in Brisbane. I then moved to Melbourne and worked as a postdoc in a research institute embedded in the Royal Children’s Hospital.
I love my research, but working in the hospital with a group of doctors also made me realise if I don’t pursue my dream in medicine, it might be a big regret.
So here I am.
What is one of your most treasured memories?
At the start of my 9.5 months backpacking trip in NZ, my partner and I were left with $50, a guitar, and a tent without return tickets or credit card because of some hiccups.
We lived in a tent for 3 months waiting for the work season to start. We woke up by sunrise, rested by sunset and the only leisure was playing the guitar or doing nothing (no smartphone, no internet).
That was the first time in my life I learned that you don’t need much to live and enjoy life.
What do you do when you're not studying?
I love to read, watch movies (lots and lots, especially movie marathon), travel, and eat tasty food.
So if you have any good advice about Perth for me, I am all ears. 🙂
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.