Alina Ouyang

I’ve always known that Melbourne was the place for me – from food, culture, diversity and academic excellence… I knew it would be the right place for me to spread my wings.

I looked into university programs that aligned with my general interest in health and learned about the Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne. I liked how Biomedicine’s structure allows you to explore so many different areas of interest within the health discipline.

During my undergraduate studies, I was able to confidently understand what my professional interests were. I knew I wanted a career that involved lots of patient interaction and working within a team environment. I also knew I wanted to continue studying in the heart of Melbourne, so I began to explore clinical career options and eventually set my sights on the Doctor of Medicine (MD).

The Melbourne MD is renowned for its quality graduates and associated ties with top research institutes and prominent clinical schools.

Facing real-world situations introduces a new level of difficulty and pressure. I think the early clinical exposure we get as MD1 students is particularly eye-opening. Already in my first year, I have had the opportunity to learn so much from clinical placements and interacting with highly experienced clinicians and researchers. As a result, I now embrace clinical placements as opportunities to learn, rather than approach them with worry or fear. I also appreciate the emphasis on theoretical knowledge, which in my opinion, is very important for clinical excellence – being able to practice confidently hinges on having a strong understanding of theory.

There are also so many support services and resources available to students. These cover a broad range of areas including academic skills, health and wellbeing, and professional development (e.g. research information nights). We even get designated study spots in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences’ headquarters (the Alan Gilbert Building), which I really appreciate.

While the Bachelor of Biomedicine enabled me to narrow down what I wanted to do in the future, the Doctor of Medicine has expanded my options again and I am exploring various medical specialisations. Currently, I am interested in a medical career focused on procedures, including surgery and anaesthesiology. However, I am also considering other specialities such as radiology, sexual health, and paediatrics. I’m excited to explore these specialisations in my future rotations.

To international students: do not let your doubts hold you back! Even though you might be scared of the language barriers, connecting with local students, and even just getting to know the city, don’t forget that there are lots of support services available. The University of Melbourne Student Union International (UMSU International) provides extensive student support to help you manage your finances, build a social network, find housing, and look after your own wellbeing. I study alongside many international students who have relied of these resources and were able to integrate into the university community while prospering in their studies!

To hesitant students from non-science backgrounds: do not be scared that you don’t know enough! I know of many peers who came from arts and humanities backgrounds and were able to do just as well in medical school as those with science backgrounds because of their dedication and commitment to the course. The medical school also supports you every step of the way, so if you are determined to succeed, I’m sure you’re already on a path to success.