• Adrian Achuthan

  

  Role at the University:
  Senior Research Fellow, Honours Academic Coordinator and Senior Academic Adviser.

  What do you enjoy most about being part of the Academic Advising program?
  Working together with academic and professional staff in delivering the program that enhances student's University life experience.

  What would be your one piece of advice for students who are about to commence in the Academic Advising program?
  Be a willing participant in the Academic Advising program, the connections you establish may well shape your future!

• Dr Barbara Fam White

  

  Role at the University:
  I have several roles across the University, with my primary role as a Senior Research Fellow at the Department of Medicine (Austin Hospital) in the area of Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity research as well as the Departmental Academic Coordinator for Honours and Graduate Research. I also have a Senior Lecturer position in the Department of Medical Education for the Advanced Medical Science (BMed Sci) course. To add to these, I am now one of the new Senior Academic Advisors for the BBioMedSci course in the faculty.

  What do you enjoy most about being part of the Academic Advising program?
  What I enjoy the most, is being a part of creating a connected community with students, academics within the faculty and the University more broadly through the program and Student Life. I have been a part of the University since my student days in the early 1990s. My role in this program to help see it to fruition through guiding the Academic Advisors and playing a bigger role in the continual growth of the program is what I truly enjoy doing.

  What would be your one piece of advice for students who are about to commence in the Academic Advising program?
  If I had one piece of advice it would be to not be nervous or hesitant about joining the program and to embrace what the program will offer you throughout the duration of your course. It can be daunting meeting Academic Advisors, but they are there to support you through your course, not to advise on the course itself, but to guide you along the right path for a total positive University experience. Academic Advisors have been right there, where the students are now and will have a raft of knowledge and experience they can pass on to guide decision making and scholarly and professional growth. Embrace it and enjoy it.

• Julian G Simmons, PhD

  

  Role at the University:
  In addition to being a Senior Academic Adviser with Student Life, I am a Senior Research Fellow in the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences.

  What do you enjoy most about being part of the Academic Advising program?
  The opportunity to support students and staff build to connections. I think this is fundamental to student engagement and the quality of the student experience at Melbourne. I see it also as a key way to maximise student outcomes post Uni, as well as enriching the professional lives of academics.

  What would be your one piece of advice for students who are about to commence in the Academic Advising program?
  As per Walt Whitman (and more recently Ted Lasso), be curious! Ask questions, and be as open as you can about your experience. Advisers are here to help.

• Saw Hoon Lim

  

  Role at the University:
  Senior Lecturer and Teaching Specialist in the Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology and Senior Academic Adviser in MDHS.

  What do you enjoy most about being part of the Academic Advising program?
  What I love most is the opportunity to join and to help guide students in their journey through university and sharing morsels of (hopefully) sage advice in a ‘what I wish I knew then that I know now’ vibe!

  What would be your one piece of advice for students who are about to commence in the Academic Advising program?
  We can’t wait to meet you so please join us and feel comfortable that our meetings are informal and very similar to chatting with a friend!

• Snezana Kusljic

  

  Role at the University: 
  Senior Lecturer and Graduate Research Coordinator in the Department of Nursing, Senior Academic Adviser in the MDHS, and Chair of Low to Negligible Risk Ethics Committee and Research Ethics Advisor, Office of Research Ethics and Integrity.

  What do you enjoy most about being part of the Academic Advising program?          
  The most enjoyable part of the Academic Advising program is getting to know our students, drawing upon what they bring as individuals and learning from their experience. All these aspects are critical in developing a personalised advising approach that foster connection to the University community and support the development of students outside the classroom.

  What would be your one piece of advice for students who are about to commence in the Academic Advising program?
  Please join us on this personalised student-academic journey and create long-lasting partnerships with the university community. We, academics, are your ‘tour guides’ and after all your biggest supporters.

Being an Advisee

Being an advisee gives you a new level of unique access to the highly experienced academics at the University of Melbourne. This opportunity is something that should be used to help you connect, discover and learn about everything you can to set you on the path to success!

• How does it work?

  You will be matched with an academic adviser and will be able to see their details via the student portal. The structure of the sessions is as follows:

  • Year 1 - Second Semester: A one-on-one session (approximately 30 minutes) with your academic adviser
  • Year 2 - First and Second Semester: 2 x one-on-one sessions with your academic adviser. One session in each semester (approximately 30 minutes each)
  • Year 3 - First Semester: A one-on-one session (approximately 30 minutes)

  We encourage you to connect with your academic adviser outside of the scheduled sessions to build that connection and get the support that you need.

• How do I get involved?

  You don't need to do anything! You will automatically be allocated to an academic adviser and notified who they are. You can get it touch with us if you have any questions.

• What are the benefits?

  Academic advisers are experienced members of our community who can help you adjust to study and life at University. Your academic adviser will take an active interest in your progress, success and challenges. Using their extensive networks, they can help you to connect with your faculty and the broader University community, as well as external professionals and industry representatives.

  The sessions provide a space to think, share ideas, talk about your goals and explore opportunities with an academic member of our (University) community

  Making sure you are prepared before each meeting and arriving on time can help build a good rapport with your academic adviser. Over time, your academic adviser will be a friendly face on campus, someone you can call on for advice, or even ask for a reference at the end of your degree.

• What kind of support can my academic adviser give me?
  • Academic advisers come from a discipline broadly aligned to your studies and will help you explore opportunities to build on your interests and strengths. If you do have a specific area of interest, they may be able to connect you with other academic staff or suggest ways that you can make these connections for yourself.
  • Academic advisers are not experts in everything, but they can help you identify when you may benefit from seeking specialist support and advice.
  • Meetings with your academic adviser are designed to support your growth and development, so you can discuss a range of goals and challenges with your adviser. There is a limit to the confidentiality of advising meetings, and there may be some cases when an adviser needs to disclose information to help you access support.
  • Academic advisers can help you with general advice on study skills and routines that support your academic success, however it is not their role to tutor you or review specific pieces of academic work. Academic support services are available, and your academic adviser may encourage you to access this support.
• I want more information

  You can find more information about Academic Advising at Melbourne here.

  If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us.

• Our Planet, Our Health (UNIB10017)

  https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2018/subjects/unib10017

  This interdisciplinary subject will introduce students to the core concepts of One Health in its broadest sense, as a concept that describes the interconnectedness of the health of humans, animals and the environment. Students will gain a deeper and broader understanding of the complex interplay between human, animal and ecosystem health including the historical and current influence of anthropogenic change in different cultures and contexts.

  This subject is offered in conjunction with the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences. Find out more here: http://fvas.unimelb.edu.au/opoh

• Drugs That Shape Society (UNIB20008)

  https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2018/subjects/unib20008

  This subject is a compelling story of drugs that provides insight to us as individuals and as a society. Drugs impact our lives in many ways and social responses to their use have shaped our laws, the health system, commerce and foreign policy. Using a case-study approach, students will explore the scientific, social, historical and legal issues associated with alcohol, opiates, tobacco, penicillin and thalidomide.

• Global Health, Security & Sustainability (UNIB30002)

  https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2018/subjects/unib30002

  Global Health, Security & Sustainability is an exciting subject that explores the root causes of disease, poverty, injustice and inequity that exist in the world today. Students are encouraged to draw on disciplines in law, arts, engineering, economics, biosciences and medicine to explore and understand the depth, complexity and multi dimensionality of current global health challenges.

• Living Longer: A Global Diagnosis (UNIB30005)

  https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2018/subjects/unib30005

  Since 1800, human life expectancy at birth has doubled globally and tripled in the most favoured nations. The subject will explore in historical sequence the social interventions, economic changes and advances in scientific knowledge that have enabled increasing proportions of human beings to live longer. It will critically review the roles of public health; medicine; wealth, income and economic development; famine, malnutrition and diet; households and individuals; literacy and education.

• Indigenous Cultures and Knowledges (UNIB20022)

  https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2020/subjects/unib20022

  Indigenous Cultures and Knowledges will introduce students to the diversity of Indigenous culture, epistemologies, practices and engagements with the contemporary world. It will also introduce students to the immense body of scholarship on traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies, cultures, languages, history and prehistory in curricula, research and knowledge exchange.

• Inequalities: Causes and Consequences (UNIB20021)

  
  https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/2020/subjects/unib20021

  This interdisciplinary subject introduces concepts and theories from population health, the humanities, sociology, economics, geography, criminology and education to explore contemporary and historical trends and debates. It will be delivered by scholars and eminent guest speakers from varied backgrounds and areas of expertise and focus on understanding causes, consequences, and potential means of tackling inequalities, inequities and injustices from a range of disciplinary perspectives.

Student Support

Our Student Support Officers can help you with:

• Research Pathways Advice

  Nobody knows MDHS Honours and graduate research entry requirements better than the Health Hub. Talk to us about your research study plans early and we can help you stay on track to achieve your goals. Besides Biomedicine and Psychology Honours, we advise on the Master of Biomedical Science and major graduate research programs such as the Doctor of Philosophy and the Master of Philosophy.

• Specialist Cohort Support

  At the Health Hub, we support Chancellor’s Scholars students and have a dedicated Indigenous Student Support Officer on the team. We are well versed in graduate entry requirements for your cohorts and initiatives for current students.

• Student Society Enrichment

  One of the things we love to do is enrich student experience. We often do this by facilitating academic enrichment and social events run by your student societies. Study/life balance is important so get involved!

Meet The Team

• Alicia Freeman, Program Officer

  Hello, my name is Alicia, my pronouns are she/her and I'm one of the Program Officers for MDHS Student Life. I started working at the University of Melbourne in 2017 and have been working in the Student Life space since March 2020. I'm super passionate the student experience! I love creating meaningful training and resources for our mentors and mentees and discussing how to get the most out of your university experience!

  Talk to me about…

  How you're tracking with uni, the range of services available to you, any ideas that you have for some resources to help make your uni life a bit smoother, what anime you're watching and what books you're reading!

• Alice Campbell, Program Officer

  Hi! I'm Alice, my pronouns are she/her and I'm a Program Officer in the MDHS Student Life Team. I started in this role in June 2021. I am most passionate about creating engaging events for students. These can range anywhere from a social event to an alumni networking event. I am always looking for new ideas and ways to involve students in the planning process of events, so I can hear firsthand about what events are of interest in our faculty and what activities will be most worthwhile and beneficial.

  Talk to me about…

  Events!! Any ideas you have about events you want to see happen in our faculty please get in touch. Or if you have attended an event recently that you really enjoyed I'd love to hear about it.

• Maddison McHugh, Program Officer

  Hi, my name is Maddison and my pronouns are she/her. I joined the University of Melbourne at the end of 2021 as a Program Officer in the MDHS Student Life team. I am passionate about ensuring you have the best university experience possible. I help make that happen by creating fun and meaningful online content and communication that supports you throughout your journey.

  Talk to me about… 

  Student Life programs and what is going on within the faculty! I’d love to hear if there is anything you’d like to know more about, if you have any ideas for new content or if there is anything we can do to further support you during your studies.

• Rachel Lim, Peer Mentor Leader

  Hey everyone! My name is Rachel and I am currently in my first year of Medicine here at Unimelb. I’ve just taken on the role of peer mentor leader at the start of this year and have been loving it so far.

  As an interstate student who was new to Melbourne back in my first year of biomed, I definitely empathised that the first step into university can seem daunting and challenging. Hence, I love that the program offers the chance to build a strong peer network and a safe space for us to share our experiences and discuss various concerns and challenges we might be facing.

  I would definitely encourage anyone interested in becoming a peer mentor or peer leader to go for it as it’s a great way to support new students and form friendships across year levels, as well as be able to share about the amazing opportunities and events that might be happening around uni.

• Patrick Tellefson, Peer Mentor Leader

  I’m Patrick, one of the peer leaders, and I’m currently in my final year of the Bachelor of Biomedicine and Diploma of Languages. I was a mentor in 2020 and enjoyed being able to help new students in what can feel like a daunting time as they transition to Uni life.

  As a peer leader, I’m not only able to work flexibly around my timetable,  but I’m also part of a fun team that delivers exciting programs for my peers.

About Indigenous Graduate Student Support

The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences offers support for our prospective and current Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students. Student support includes our Indigenous graduate pathways, advocacy and course support. Our Indigenous Student Support Officer can assist you, whether you are a prospective or current student!

• Who is my Indigenous Student Support Officer?

  Hi there! My name is Jess (she/her) and I am your MDHS Indigenous Student Support Officer and a proud Gunditjmara woman.

  I can assist you with entry into our graduate courses, and support you throughout your journey with us! Please reach out anytime you want a yarn. About me... I am a Capricorn, I have a fluffy white cat called Clover, and I live in Carlton.

• How can I get in touch with the Indigenous Student Support Officer?

  Jess is located on Level 1 of the Brownless Biomedical Library and available for drop in visits from 9am to 5pm Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. You can also contact Jess by phone or email if you are not on campus.

  Address: Level 1, Brownless Biomedical Library
  Parkville Campus, Building 182
  Email: mdhs-indigenous-admissions@unimelb.edu.au

  You can also follow the Health Hub on social media for updates:
  Facebook: uom.HealthHub
  Instagram: uom.healthhub

• Can I get in touch if I am an undergraduate student?

  Certainly! If you want to have a discussion about your pathways into a master's degree, definitely get in touch. If you have other enquiries such as accommodation or ABSTUDY, I recommend reaching out to Murrup Barak.

MDHS Indigenous Graduate Pathways

Congratulations! You’ve finished your undergraduate degree and you want to know what the next steps are as an Indigenous Australian student. We got you covered! The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences gives priority access to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students at the University of Melbourne under the Indigenous Graduate Pathways.

• Does my bachelor’s degree need to come from the University of Melbourne?

  No, absolutely not! We accept all undergraduate degrees from a recognised institution. We will need your official academic transcript on record and we look to see that you meet the minimum entry requirements.

• How do I submit an application via the Indigenous Graduate Pathway?

  Please contact Jess at mdhs-indigenous-admissions@unimelb.edu.au for further information.

• What if I don’t meet the minimum entry requirements?

  The conversation doesn’t end here. If you are not currently eligible, let’s have a discussion at how we can make you eligible.

• Can I submit an application for the Indigenous Graduate Pathway if I am not Indigenous?

  No. You cannot apply if you are not Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Please contact future-study@unimelb.edu.au for MDHS coursework enquiries and the Health Hub for MDHS graduate research enquiries.

• Do I have to submit a Confirmation of Identity to be eligible to apply under the Indigenous Graduate Pathway?

  Yes. Indigenous Australians must submit documents to confirm their identity as part of the Indigenous Graduate Pathway application process.

Confirmation of Identity

• Why do I need to confirm my identity? Do I have to?

  Your Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage is something that is personal to you. You do not need a letter of confirmation to identify as an Indigenous person.

  You do not need to have your identify confirmed by us to enter the University as an Indigenous Australian student.

  However, if you wish to apply for and enter an MDHS graduate course through our Indigenous pathways (such as our Indigenous MD Pathway) and receive additional services such as ITAS , you must have your identity verified.

• How can I confirm my identity as an Aboriginal/ Torres Strait Islander?

  Excellent question!

  We accept the following documents:

  1. A Confirmation of Aboriginality with a common seal from a local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation in which you reside or Country area you come from.
     and;
  2. A completed and witnessed Statutory Declaration.

  Please send your  documents to mdhs-indigenous-admissions@unimelb.edu.au.

  Please note that your Statutory Declaration of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identity requires you to declare you live and identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and are accepted as such by the community in which you live or have lived.

  Please note a Statutory Declaration is a legally binding document.

  The University may request further information and/or documentation where it determines further verification is required or uncertainty exists.

  Being dishonest about one’s identity and one’s connections to Indigenous communities damages the integrity and intent of service provision to address inequality and is harmful to Indigenous peoples.

  If you intentionally make a false statement in a statutory declaration you can be charged with a criminal offence which carries the possibility of up to four years imprisonment.

• I don't have any connection with my mob. What can I do?

  Many people are on their journey towards filling all parts of the definition and we can recognise that many people are disconnected their community through no fault of their own. However, in this instance you will need to supply a legal document that confirms you meet all three parts of the criteria to access certain Indigenous specific support, pathways, and degrees at The University of Melbourne.

What other perks are available as an Indigenous student at MDHS?

• Scholarships

FAQs

• When should I apply for Graduate Research?

  Graduate Research applications can be lodged at any time throughout the calendar year. We advise applying before October 31st. Commencing the program in January is not recommended. For more information, visit the Future Student page.

• Why is it not recommended to commence a PhD in January?

  December and January is usually the time when supervisors and members of your academic committee may take time off. Your milestones for the PhD fall in line with your submission date. For example, if you commence on the 5th of January, all of your review meetings will take place on the 5th of January and it may not be possible to gather all of your committee members to have those meetings. However, if that is what will work for you and you committee, you can still commence in January.

• How can I apply for Graduate Research?

  If you're a current student, you can apply through your my.unimelb account. If you're a new student, you can apply online via our online application portal. Remember to check any additional requirements!

• Can you apply to a PhD and then withdraw your application if you decide against it?

  Yes, you can. If you have applied and have changed your mind, you can contact mdhs-gr@unimelb.edu.au.

• How can I contact a potential supervisor?

  Personalise your enquiry email to the academic you reach out to, explain why you have considered them as a supervisor and refer to any relevant publications. Provide your academic transcripts showing your grades, CV and any additional supporting documentation.