If ever you found yourself in a \u2018BREAK GLASS\u2019 moment you might hope that Flinders medicine alumnus Dr John Floridis (pictured left) is in shouting distance.<\/p>\n
Now working as an Emergency Registrar at Royal Darwin Hospital, John would know whether that strange sensation you experienced after plunging your fingers into a hot toaster to retrieve your breakfast needed first aid or an ambulance.<\/p>\n
Winner of five honours and awards on graduation in 2013, he is a dual-registered trainee in emergency medicine and rural general practice. He is also an Associate Lecturer at Flinders Medical School.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy completing both training programs concurrently, my intention is to become a generalist that can work in acute care, primary care and areas of need. Versatility of skills and cultural awareness are qualities I prioritise, due to the increasingly complex needs of our population,\u201d John said.<\/p>\n
Teaching and research form a large component of his practice. Of keen interest to him are medical education, electrolyte disturbances in hospital patients, and renal disorders.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on his time as a Flinders medical student John has many happy memories of a course that was \u201cunique compared to other courses in its delivery and structure.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was fantastic. There is a vast amount of knowledge and skill to be acquired in a short space of time, with a mixture of didactic and group peer-to-peer learning.<\/p>\n
\u201cI particularly enjoyed the large focus on biomedical science in the first two years of the course. The clinical experience during my third year at the Onkaparinga Clinical Education Program (OCEP) was extremely well organised, and the flexibility of electives in final year enabled me to pursue areas of interest,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Its personal impact left a lasting legacy on John as he threw himself headlong into the social aspects of university life.<\/p>\n
\u201cI remember especially the strong camaraderie between students. The annual Orientation Week and MedCamp were fantastic events where we welcomed our newest students.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore than that even was the pride of Flinders Medical School competing on a national stage at the Australian Medical Students\u2019 Association Convention, winning the tug-of-war, and being a finalist in the Emergency Medicine Challenge,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
An international elective in rural Thailand also was \u201cfascinating, confronting and widened my perspective on healthcare.\u201d<\/p>\n
His advice to those thinking of studying medicine is grounded in what shaped him while at Flinders and it continues to drive his passion for the profession.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would highly recommend Flinders University based on my own personal experiences. Remember that any university experience is largely shaped on personal drive and ambition. It is tempting to simply pass and meet minimal expectations to complete your degree.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, remember that there is an expectation from your employer, the public and your patients that you are competent, confident, and not merely satisfactory. Flinders University enables you to excel but it requires determination, grit and hard work,\u201d John said.
\nHis counsel to students that they should study diligently is heartfelt. While immersing himself fully in the social life of his alma mater, John focussed equally on his studies. His devotion paid off handsomely with the awarding of several honours:<\/p>\n
\u201cMy preceptors and colleagues have definitely shaped the person I am today. It is very easy to become driven and passionate when the right individuals surround you.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been inspired by the careers of so many hard-working clinicians and influential academics. Furthermore, having a large involvement in extra-curricular activities during medical school has ensured I will always make time for helping students.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorking in the Northern Territory has been a major factor fuelling my ongoing passion for medicine \u2013 I have been lucky enough to see and treat rare medical conditions often described in textbooks but not seen anywhere else, work with wonderful people, and be immersed in wide cultural diversity.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy goal is to become a dual-qualified emergency physician and procedural general practitioner, while maintaining an active role in medical education and research,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Asked for his advice to current Flinders medical students, John urges them to take full advantage of the opportunity they have been given.<\/p>\n
\u201cMake the most of your time at university \u2013 take on extracurricular activities, be opportunistic, work hard, but don\u2019t forget to enjoy the incredible social aspect of medical school.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is amazing how quickly four years disappears, and the large jump in responsibility that occurs when you begin work as a doctor.<\/p>\n
\u201cTravel overseas or into rural Australia during the final year for an elective placement \u2013 it will provide a fantastic insight into healthcare outside of your comfort zone.<\/p>\n
\u201cFinally, learn your basic science concepts well \u2013 these foundational principals are relevant every single day during clinical practice!<\/p>\n
\u201cI am extremely proud to be an alumnus of this University. I was provided with an outstanding medical education, unforgettable student experiences and the opportunity to meet wonderful individuals.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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