“Medicine is a privilege because you are invited into some of the most challenging moments of people’s lives.”
For Gahanic Odari, that belief shaped a journey that began in childhood curiosity and led to graduating as a doctor through Flinders University’s Northern Territory Medical Program. Raised in Darwin after moving from Nepal at age 12, Gahanic chose to study medicine locally and plans to build his career in the place he now calls home.
A childhood interest that became a calling
“Since I was a child, medicine always seemed fascinating,” Gahanic says. “I never expected I would end up in it, but science and my experiences with doctors stayed with me.”
During his school years at Dripstone Middle and Casuarina Senior College, Gahanic balanced study with sport and music. By Year 12, medicine felt like the right fit. “I applied to the only university offering medicine locally in Darwin and was fortunate to be accepted.”
Studying medicine while staying connected
Born in Nepal and raised in a multicultural Darwin community, Gahanic says staying close to family influenced his decision. “I knew studying medicine away from home would be hard,” he says. “Flinders gave me the chance to study medicine while staying in the NT, which deepened my connection to the Territory.”
Building confidence through experience
Gahanic credits his time at Flinders with shaping his confidence as a future doctor. The learning was hands on and closely connected to real clinical environments. “The staff do an outstanding job preparing us for the workforce,” he says. “They’ve equipped us with the fundamental skills to become safe and competent doctors.”
He credits Territory clinicians for their generosity. “Doctors across the NT were incredibly supportive, even those not formally linked to the university.” Simulation training also stood out. “The acute care scenarios helped me stay calm under pressure, including during ICU placements.”
Placements, growth and a sense of humour
ICU placements in Darwin and Alice Springs left a lasting impression. One memorable moment came when an ICU consultant mistook Gahanic for a registrar. “It was stressful at the time,” he laughs, “but it’s now one of my funniest placement memories.”
Looking ahead in the NT
Gahanic plans to remain in the Territory as a junior doctor. “I want to become a strong generalist before specialising,” he says. Outside medicine, he continues to play competitive volleyball and will celebrate graduation by competing in Sydney. “I’m excited to keep learning, working close to home and growing alongside people I’ve trained with.”
For prospective students, his advice is simple. “Flinders offers clinical exposure that’s second to none. Studying medicine here makes the journey for Territorians more meaningful.”