Hendrick Lin

I decided to study the Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne because I am interested in pursuing a career that investigates the intersection of medical patient care, research and policy. As a result, through examining various courses offered at different institutions around Australia and the wider world, I felt that the University of Melbourne was well-equipped to provide me with a supportive and resourceful environment to develop imperative skills and knowledge that I will need in my future work.

The most attractive factor is UniMelb's ideal position within the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Being surrounded by tertiary referral healthcare centres such as the Royal Melbourne Hospital, institutions uncovering groundbreaking discoveries such as The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, and large pharmaceutical corporations such as CSL create a place with high potential for innovative ideas and lifelong learning.

Additionally, UniMelb's international reputation and its high ranking for excellence in the health sciences, immense research output and diverse network of alumni around the world were other influential factors that propelled me towards pursuing my tertiary studies here.

The diversity of both the cohorts of staff and students have been the most intriguing to date. I have always enjoyed meeting peers from different educational backgrounds and a variety of hometowns around the globe. I have been inspired by the various achievements of different staff in an assortment of areas – one particular standout has been a professor of mine who shared his involvement in developing sustainable oxygen supplies for underprivileged hospitals and schools in Africa. These experiences have shaped my mindset, allowing me to view the world from different perspectives and generate new ways of thinking and perceiving health issues.

Besides the rigorous content learnt throughout my course, I have also been able to foster a variety of practical and soft skills. Exposure to how a variety of laboratory procedures are performed in my biology and chemistry subjects and engagement in these have allowed me to significantly improve my technical skills and ability to utilise different equipment to perform titrations, chromatography and spectroscopy. In addition, elective subjects I have undertaken including mathematics and statistics have introduced me to useful skills in programming, problem-solving and data analysis and breadth subjects that I have taken that include finance, law and languages have broadened my learnings and enabled me to acquire other skills outside of my main study area that will no doubt support my future employability and success in my career.

Currently, the quality of teaching has been stellar in shaping me to become a better and inquisitive learner. Furthermore, the facilities have been excellent, the diversity of clubs and societies on offer has been extensive, and the University of Melbourne's proximity to the CBD has allowed for amazing social interactions and the nurturing of new friendships (besides convenient and accessible public transport to and from home!)

My future goal is to pursue the Doctor of Medicine (MD) at UniMelb after finishing my Biomedicine degree, with aspirations for a career in patientcare as a physician. Therefore, I am convinced that my Biomedicine degree has provided me with absolute training and preparation for graduate study that has boosted my confidence for what lies ahead. UniMelb’s Biomedicine degree has also exposed me to a variety of other career options that are available for me to explore.

My advice would be to make the most out of your time at university by putting your best effort towards your studies – learning is a process that lasts a lifetime so invest your time and resources into this unique experience now. Also, engage yourself in a variety of activities outside the classroom, to complement your learning and meet students from different study areas. Finally, never be afraid to seek help from staff or your peers if you ever have any concerns regarding academic performance, social life or mental wellbeing.