Kevin Mao

Bachelor of Biomedicine

The Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne was the ideal pathway for me to explore my diverse academic interests across arts, commerce, and science. The flexibility of the program allowed me to take a wide range of subjects, from biochemistry and anatomy to economics and finance, as well as courses from the humanities. This interdisciplinary approach not only satisfied my curiosity in various fields but also provided a well-rounded educational experience that broadened my perspectives.

In addition to the academic aspects, the Bachelor of Biomedicine enabled me to actively participate in numerous student clubs and societies. Through these extracurricular activities, I formed lifelong friendships and connections that have been invaluable to both my personal and professional development. The program also opened doors to incredible opportunities outside the classroom, including internships at world-class research laboratories, major corporate firms, and the growing startup and not-for-profit sectors. These experiences gave me practical insights into various industries and helped shape my future career aspirations.

Doctor of Medicine (MD)

I chose the Melbourne Medical School for several reasons. First and foremost, having completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Melbourne, I was already familiar with the campus, its resources, and the general way things worked. I had also heard numerous positive reviews from current medical students, which reinforced my decision. While many of my peers are from universities around the world, I felt confident that my familiarity with the University would provide a strong foundation for my medical studies.

Another key factor in my decision was the high calibre of the medical program, particularly the quality of the teaching staff and the excellent facilities. The clinical schools and affiliated teaching hospitals offer outstanding opportunities for clinical capacity building. I especially value the diverse modes of learning, which range from fundamental biomedical science to hands-on clinical training, as well as professional practice with a strong focus on reflective writing.

Lastly, the degree’s flexibility was a significant draw for me. The program offers numerous opportunities to engage in research, public health, and interdisciplinary health studies, with the option to pursue intercalated degrees or extracurricular activities. This allows for a well-rounded education and the ability to tailor my experience to my specific interests.

Master of Public Health (MPH)

The Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Melbourne aligns seamlessly with my career aspiration as a holistic professional practitioner. The program’s strong focus on public, global, and population health provides the theoretical frameworks and academic concepts that will shape my understanding of these fields and inspire real-world action. We learn to apply theoretical concepts in real-world settings through hands-on opportunities such as research projects, industry placements, and interactive case studies. This combination of interdisciplinary knowledge hands-on learning is essential to driving impactful initiatives and interventions. I intend to leverage my learning to tackle health disparities head-on.

Additionally, the MPH offers critical insight into the operations of local, national, and international health agencies, helping me understand their roles in development, evaluation, and policymaking. This holistic perspective will equip me to work effectively within the very systems I aim to change.

Beyond academics, the MPH offers the invaluable opportunity to build connections with like-minded peers, experienced mentors, and industry professionals. These networks will not only support my personal and professional growth but also foster collaborative efforts in addressing health inequities on a global scale.

Please see my answer to the previous question :)

I am an aspiring public health focused clinician-scientist working to integrate bench-to-bedside discoveries into the global community utilising population health measures. I am interested in exploring the intersectionality and entirety of the healthcare pipeline, from drug discovery, clinical trials to commercialisation and community implementation.

I endeavour to use my professional experiences in biomedical research, public health and business to champion and empower his fellow peers and colleagues to join him in forging a multidisciplinary health career.

Be open-minded, take leaps of faith and explore all that you can.
Opportunities are for those who are prepared.

Don’t be shy, meet new people – you never know who will become your lifelong friend or mentor.