I aspire to better health outcomes and improve health systems in both Australia and developing countries. I want to do this in two ways. Firstly, as a doctor using my clinical skills and knowledge to promote healthy practices, treat patients and help upskill local doctors/community health workers in developing countries. Secondly, I want to help create and implement policies that will improve healthcare systems both in Australia and internationally. Working at both ends of the system will not only complement each other but also be an advantage.
I have shown initiative in seeking experiences that have given me an insight into the national and international health systems. This is demonstrated in the following four achievements where I have displayed initiative, resourcefulness and ingenuity to contribute to the national and international communities. Through these experiences I have also developed skills and gained knowledge that will be invaluable in my future endeavours to lead change in health.
Earlier this year, I undertook a 3-month internship at the World Health Organisation in the tropical diseases unit (Malaria, other Vectorborne and Parasitic diseases unit). My work covered a range of diseases including malaria, dengue, zika, schistosomiasis and lymphatic filarias. I completed research projects, wrote meeting reports, wrote articles for the WHO website and created databases. The experience furthered my understanding of health systems in many different countries both through the nature of the work and through the opportunity to interact with officials from departments/ministries of health from across the region. It was also an insight into the creation of technical products and standards that can be incorporated into Member States’ national health policies.
I am currently working at the Australian Department of Health in the Health Workforce Division for the two Senior Medical Advisors. I utilise my research skills to evaluate government programmes. I thoroughly enjoy the subject matter, including distribution of the health workforce, and General Practice Training. It is rewarding to contribute to programmes that will have wide-reaching positive impacts for all Australians.
I also sat on the Future Health Leaders Council of Australia from 2013 to 2015. I represented Medical Laboratory Science students and early professionals across Australia. It was an unparalleled opportunity to work with healthcare professionals from across the system. Such insight into the health system and the variety of providers available will aid me in providing coordinated care for patients when I practice.
Lastly, I completed a Bachelor of Medical Science with First Class Honours at UNSW in 2015. My Honours project investigated the effect of early-life exposure to second-hand cigarette smoke on developing childhood asthma. Working in research and on the forefront of knowledge, I understand the importance of evidence-based practice and evidence-based policies. Keeping up with the latest knowledge as well as consulting the literature for tested methods will enable me to deliver the best quality care as well as create effective policy.
Many people see getting into medical school and becoming a doctor as the ultimate goal for their career. Instead I see becoming a doctor as a platform to reaching my personal end goal of improving health on a global scale. As a clinician helping and working with people on the ground will be very personally rewarding. However, I understand that in order to be sustainable, change usually needs to come from a top-down approach. Thus, I would also like to help create and implement health policies and programmes, which I believe have the potential to enact widespread positive change. Furthermore, as a doctor, personal insight into the healthcare system and direct contact with those who are most affected provides a unique advantage in policy making. This is why I want a dual career in medicine and health policy.
To actualise this goal, the first step is to achieve an excellent GAMSAT® Exam score in order to gain entry into medical school. I am excited by the possibility of access to the GradReady resources that will help me be the most prepared I can be. Successfully completing the GAMSAT® Exam and gaining entry into medical school will allow me to continue my journey towards being a leader in global health.
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