“If you are someone that values extraordinary experiences, great professional relationships and diversity in your education, the NT Medical Program will provide all of these opportunities.”
Giving back to his community
For Joshua Davies, studying medicine in the Northern Territory means more than gaining a qualification. Born in Darwin and raised in Alice Springs, Joshua was eager to return home and give back to the community that shaped his life.
Before medicine, Joshua’s path was far from typical. He started a traineeship in water operations, travelled the world, studied music, and completed a double degree in psychology and counselling before working as a counsellor in mental health services. His dream of becoming a doctor eventually led him to sit the GAMSAT and join the Northern Territory Medical Program at Flinders University.
A diverse learning experience
Joshua says his medical learning journey at Flinders has been outstanding. The small class sizes and strong support from staff have been key highlights. “The ability to engage in small group learnings and develop close working relationships with our lecturers and staff has contributed greatly to my experience,” he explains.
One standout moment was completing a course in dissections. For Joshua it had a profound impact on his ability to understand the human body and its normal and abnormal processes.
Unique NT placements
Placements have been central to his training. Joshua has completed a week-long nursing placement, a six-month general practitioner (GP) placement, and a month in the remote community of Maningrida. “These are all placements unique to the NT,” he says. “They shaped my learning and helped me understand the broader context of health in rural and remote locations.”
What’s next
Although Joshua has not yet chosen a specialty, he is open to the opportunities that lie ahead. For him, the Northern Territory is the ideal place to explore a medical career. “The NT offers diverse populations and unique experiences that you simply won’t find anywhere else,” he says.