Loyola Wills didn’t take the usual route into Medicine. After finishing an Arts degree, she started working for the government. But the urge to help her community made her rethink her plans.
“Medicine always interested me, but I didn’t think I was smart enough to get in.”
Undeterred by self-doubt, she decided to apply for postgraduate Medicine. The Flinders University Indigenous Entry Stream (IES) became a crucial part of her journey.
“The IES was the right choice as it provided me a bit of insight into the path of Medicine and gave me the opportunity to show, that despite not having a background in Science I was willing to work hard to pursue medicine.”
Despite lacking a science background, Loyola saw the IES as the right choice, offering insights into the path of Medicine and a chance to demonstrate her dedication.
Choosing Flinders University over other options was practical for Loyola, who was already in Adelaide and planning to start a family. Looking ahead, she envisions a career as a proceduralist GP, with a focus on flexibility and a diverse trajectory to assist her community in various ways. Securing an internship in Cairns, Loyola plans to apply to the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in 2024 for Rural Generalist speciality training.
For those considering Flinders University and the IES, Loyola’s advice is simple:
“Anything is possible with the right support.”
Loyola acknowledges the challenging yet transformative journey ahead.
“It’ll be a long journey, with many twists and turns. You’ll learn a lot about yourself and about others too. Practice resilience. Our community needs you.”
Loyola Wills stands as a testament to the impact one can make with the right support and determination.
Find out more about Flinders’ Doctor of Medicine and the Indigenous Entry Stream and how to apply to study in South Australia or the Northern Territory.