Unlike many of his colleagues, Jahan Barr\u2019s pathway into medicine did not originate from an orthodox science background.<\/p>\n
In fact, his career choices turned initially towards the military and the physically demanding role of a Navy Lieutenant. Jahan joined the ADF when he was only eighteen years old and enjoyed a successful eleven year career.<\/p>\n
His final position in the Navy was an Executive Officer on one of the Armidale class patrol boats based in Darwin. Living in the NT during that time made him fall in love with the Territory and helped him decide to relocate there permanently. It has also made him consider a career in medicine.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have seen the challenges that healthcare workers face and thought there is no better place to learn medicine and then give back to the community that has welcomed me in.\u201d Through personal events and injuries, he became increasingly appreciative of the outstanding work that healthcare workers carry out in order to help individuals like himself get better.<\/p>\n
He wanted to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people who, like himself, needed access to quality care in order to improve wellbeing and health outcomes. This is when he decided that he wanted to become a doctor.\u201cI have had some pretty significant injuries in the past, where I had to have surgery and spent a lot of time recovering. In each of those occasions, it was the care and support of Medical staff that helped me recover,\u201d says Jahan.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn my time in Defence I was fortunate to be deployed a few times and see the benefits that medical support can make to veterans and vulnerable communities. I decided that I would like to become a doctor to help give back and be a part of this important workforce,\u201d says Jahan.<\/p>\n
The Doctor of Medicine degree at Flinders University in Darwin came at the right time when Jahan was on the crossroads of deciding which path to follow in his career. Although none of it came without sacrifice. Jahan had to overcome a few stumbling blocks to get to where he is now. \u201cLeaving full-time work and a career to become a student was a challenging decision but worthwhile to pursue something I was passionate about.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, the support he has received was second to none. \u201cThe opportunity to remain in the NT and study in a small cohort is something I value very highly. We get fabulous support from the Flinders Rural and Remote Health NT teaching staff and opportunities in the NT hospitals that students elsewhere may not,\u201d he says. \u201cHaving an opportunity to learn from highly experienced clinicians and study in a supportive environment is outstanding. There is a very low student\/staff ratio and the support the staff give us is amazing\u201d.<\/p>\n
Jahan has already had a number of experiences that left a long-lasting impression on him. \u201cThe Remote Health Experience where we got to travel to Katherine and learn stories and cultural practices from Aboriginal Health Practitioners and the Strongbala Wimun Grup (women\u2019s group) was incredible. The women told stories around a campfire on the first night and discussed kinship systems and bush medicine which was a fantastic learning opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnother amazing experience was an acute care placement working with an anaesthetist in a surgical theatre which was a privilege for a first-year medical student,\u201d says Jahan.<\/p>\n
He is also highly complimentary about the laid-back Territory lifestyle and a plentiful of opportunities that NT has to offer. \u201cThe NT has more opportunities than people are aware of. Give yourself a few months and you will fall in love with the place just like everyone else does.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the future Jahan sees himself working as a Resident Medical Officer (RMO) at a hospital in Darwin or in Alice Springs, ideally in a setting where he is able to treat and see patients every day.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am passionate about emergency and remote medicine. My defence background has shown me how important emergency care is and how critical it is to provide it in a remote setting.\u201d<\/p>\n
One thing that may surprise other people about Jahan is that he can play the bagpipes! In his spare he also enjoys cycling to stay in shape and wind down after a long day of study. \u201cI am outgoing and love learning new things\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Another fun fact about Jahan: he decided to apply for the NT Medical Program after seeing the Flinders NT ad on the public bus circulating around Darwin! Little did he know then, he would be the one featured on the ad this year!<\/p>\n
He also has a word of advice to people considering studying medicine: \u201cDon\u2019t underestimate your abilities, you can achieve anything with patience and hard work. I came to this program as one of the few students from a non-science\/medical background and have been able to get through first year with the support and resources available.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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