Emily Sun

Emily Sun, 21, Doctor Of Medicine – esun2@student.unimelb.edu.au

I grew up in Brisbane and always thought I’d go to a local university for tertiary studies. But when I received my high school results, I was elated to qualify for the Chancellor’s Scholars Program to study the Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne; it includes a generous scholarship and appealed because the university is so well-regarded for the health sciences.

The Chancellor’s Scholars Program offers a mentoring program, which helped with the transition into university and a new city. Going to a residential college helped too – as I was embraced by a supportive community and developed a diverse and tight-knit circle of friends. It became my home away from home.

In second year, as part of the two-week Biomedicine Chancellor’s Scholars rural volunteering program, I had the opportunity to experience healthcare in action by shadowing healthcare professionals. In particular, observing how doctors engaged with patients, while also working through their concerns, to reach a diagnosis and a way forward showed me how medicine is a profession that uniquely combines science with the art of human connection. This experience certainly solidified my desire to pursue a career in medicine.

The guaranteed entry into postgraduate study for Chancellor’s Scholars takes the academic pressure off and encourages you to explore who you are outside the lecture theatre. For me, this meant fostering my love of music (I play the violin) through the Diploma in Music alongside the Bachelor of Biomedicine. I also co-founded the Melbourne University Biomedicine Students’ Orchestra, which brings together students who share a passion for music and charity.

As a whole, my undergraduate experience opened my eyes to the endless possibilities out there. I have learned a lot, grown, and made lifelong friends – for all this, I’m very thankful.