Born and raised in Darwin, George Kypreos grew up with a unique perspective on the Northern Territory’s healthcare system. His inspiration to pursue medicine came from a deeply personal place—watching his grandmother navigate health challenges.
“Seeing the care she received and the gaps in our system motivated me to make a difference,”he shares. For George, studying medicine is more than a career choice; it’s a way to give back to the community that shaped him. The high achiever will also be the only one from his class graduating with distinction in December 2024.
Taking On New Challenges
George’s study experience in the NT has been defined by personalised learning and hands-on experience. One standout aspect was the anatomy lab. “Working in small groups for cadaveric dissection allowed us to receive direct feedback from our lecturers and tutors,” he explains. The small class sizes fostered a supportive learning environment where students and staff could engage closely, enhancing both academic and personal growth.
Leadership also played a significant role in George’s time at Flinders. As president of the GP Students Network NT and a committee member for the Flinders University Surgical Society NT, he embraced opportunities to lead and give back. One highlight was organising a trip to Nhulunbuy to run a Teddy Bear Hospital and High School Health Expo. “Providing health education to hundreds of students over two days was incredibly rewarding,” he recalls.
Diverse Clinical Placements
Throughout his third and fourth years, George completed a variety of placements, gaining invaluable clinical experience. He rotated through General Medicine, General Surgery, Psychiatry at Royal Darwin Hospital and the GP SuperClinic in Palmerston. His fourth year took him to Katherine Hospital’s Emergency Department and back to Royal Darwin Hospital for placements in Paediatrics, Anaesthetics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dermatology, and Cardiology.
Each placement offered unique learning opportunities. “Parallel consulting at the GP SuperClinic, treating patients in Katherine’s ED, and assisting in surgeries such as delivering babies via C-section were unforgettable experiences,” he says. These placements not only broadened his clinical skills but also deepened his understanding of the diverse healthcare needs across the NT.
Advice for Future Medical Students
George encourages prospective students to seize the opportunity to study medicine in the NT. “Go for it! Medicine opens so many doors for those willing to work hard. Flinders gave me the chance to complete my studies close to home, surrounded by my family and the community I’ll serve.” He also highlights the importance of building a support network and embracing every learning opportunity.
What’s Next
As George prepares to start his internship at Royal Darwin Hospital, beginning in the Emergency Department, he’s looking forward to the next chapter of his journey. While he’s still exploring where to specialise, he’s drawn to a medical career that allows him to build long-term relationships with patients. “I love hearing every patient’s story and figuring out how I can help them, not just in the short term but by educating them to live healthier lives.”
Before diving into his internship, George plans to take a well-deserved break after his graduation to relax and spend quality time with friends and family. “It’s been years of hard work, and I’m looking forward to resetting before the busy year ahead.”
