Mark McOwan

I’m in my sixth year of University and completely independent of my parents.

Affording the basics can be difficult, let alone studying for a medical degree. A few months ago, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, offered me the opportunity to do a clinical elective there. To travel to one of the most revered medical clinics in the world was a dream, but I had no idea how I was going to afford it. Thanks to this scholarship, I’m now planning to go in early 2020.

I honestly can't thank you enough for this opportunity. One day, I hope I can do the same for students.

My aim is to learn as much as I can in clinical placement and return to Ballarat to practise as a general surgeon. I am passionate about improving outcomes in rural health and hope to become part of the Rural Australian Doctors Network so I can confront the unique issues facing rural practice.

– Mark, second year Doctor of Medicine student