“The field of medicine excites me because it’s constantly changing and progressing for the better. New research is always being done to improve the lives of people around the world.”
Inspired by the profound impact doctors and medical professionals have had in the lives and health of her family members, Canadian student, Chase knew she wanted to pursue a career in medicine. With a world-renowned reputation as the No. 1 ranked Australian university in Medicine for full-time employment*, Flinders was a stand-out option for Chase when it came to following her dreams abroad.
“Flinders was the right choice for me because it has a good reputation for the Doctor of Medicine program.”
But what really set Flinders apart from other universities, was the exceptional personal support and the early hands-on experience with wards and patient interactions. This approach has not only enriched her studies but has also set a solid foundation for her career growth.
“I think that for the Doctor of Medicine program specifically, Flinders stands out from other universities because they offer you personal support throughout all 4 years of the degree and offer early ward exposure and early patient interactions,” says Chase.
From placement to practice
In her second year, Chase undertook a short-term placement at a local general practice clinic, allowing her to gain valuable real-world experience.
“I learn better with hands-on experience as opposed to simply reading a textbook, so these placements greatly improved my understanding and made me feel more confident in my skills and knowledge.”
Having now completed majority of her theory-based subjects in year 2 of her degree, Chase is excited to transition into subjects with a more practical focus, allowing her to gain even more hands-on exposure in a hospital setting.
“I’m excited to go into third and fourth year because we begin clinical rotations on the hospital wards and get to be part of the medical team,” she says.
A home away from home in Adelaide
Since moving to Adelaide to pursue her studies in medicine, Chase has found comfort in the city’s serene lifestyle and similarities to her hometown back in Canada. She has also met many fellow Canadian students during her time at Flinders, allowing her to form connections and feel closer to home.
“I like that Adelaide is a small and quiet town because it reminds me of my hometown. There’s a decent amount of fellow Canadians in my cohort and I found that being an international student, this helped make adjusting to Australia easier.”
Chase has built some incredible friendships at Flinders by getting involved in student clubs and attending events such as the community market days. These experiences have been key in helping her make meaningful connections right from the start of her university journey.
Outside of her Flinders family, Chase is also very fond of the gorgeous beaches that South Australia is famous for, which are only a quick bus or tram away if she wants a break between her studies.
“I decided to study in Adelaide because it’s an affordable, safe city and you can get almost anywhere within 25 minutes.”
A campus built for convenience and connection.
Being a medical student, majority of Chase’s classes are located at or near Flinders main campus at Bedford Park. This campus offers onsite retail, food, accommodation, study areas, and student support, making it the perfect home base for international students.
“The campus is huge and sits at the top of a hill, so you have a nice scenic view while studying at the library. There’s a pond located outside of the student hub that serves as a nice study break if you want to sit down by it or take a walk around it,” she says.
The welcoming student community on campus has also stood out as a huge positive for Chase, with an array of activities provided by Flinders International Student Services, and other entities, allowing for students to connect, share stories and make memories.
“I’ve found the international student community at Flinders to be very welcoming and fun. Personally, I enjoyed attending their ‘mid-semester BBQ and soccer’ event as it was a relaxing environment where I could socialise with other international students over a game of soccer and enjoy some food.”
Preparing for the future after Flinders
For Chase, choosing to travel from Canada to study the Doctor of Medicine at Flinders was the right choice to fulfill her career goals and becoming a general practitioner right here in Australia. Once she finds her niche, Chase sees herself working in a clinic and nailing the necessary licensing exams.
“I will be undertaking a variety of clinical placements/electives through Flinders which will help me determine if there’s any other specialties or subspecialties that pique my interest.”
Looking to begin your career in Medicine? Explore our range of innovative courses with an outstanding global reputation here.
*(The Good Universities Guide 2024 (postgraduate))