Golden years

The AMA(SA) Student Medal was established to encourage academic achievement and student involvement in the life of the medical schools of the University of Adelaide and the Flinders University of South Australia. In 2022, Dr Michelle Atchison presented the Student Medal to Dr Elly Sarre of the University of Adelaide and Dr Kritika Mishra of Flinders University at the schools’ declaration ceremonies.

Dr Elly Sarre

Why did you become a doctor?

I’m passionate about working towards improved wellbeing and outcomes for people and our planet, and I get a lot of joy from working with and connecting with people. Becoming a doctor seemed like a perfect combination of these values. As doctors, we are privileged to work closely with our patients and their families; to be part of teams of compassionate, diverse and skilled individuals; and to advocate for issues that affect the health of our patients and communities more broadly. I had also seen the impact that good healthcare can have on a person’s life, and hoped to make even a small contribution to improving the trajectories of the people I care for, particularly through working in children’s health.

Was medical school what you expected?

Medical school was what I expected in some ways, particularly in terms of the strong academic focus, but there were also many parts of medical school that I didn’t expect. In first year, I had no idea how much medical school would push me to think mindfully and critically about the way I communicate, and to develop the adaptability and problem-solving skills to feel confident in navigating conversations, challenges and settings that previously would have felt well beyond my abilities. I didn’t realise that as a student I would be given so many opportunities to work closely with patients and to be a part of their healthcare experience, and to learn in so many different settings. For example, I had the privilege to complete placements at the Refugee Health Service in Adelaide and the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, spend a day with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and with the visiting medical team at the clinic in Tjuntjuntjara in remote Western Australia, and spend three months working in rural general practice in Port Lincoln and rural NSW. I didn’t expect medical school to fly by so quickly, either. I’m extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to experience such an incredible six years and for the knowledge, friends and mentors I have gained along the way.

How did you juggle your studies with other campus and external activities?

and I recognise that I am privileged to be in a position where I can do this. What inspired you to undertake the extracurricular activities?

I find it rewarding to be a part of communities of like-minded people and to contribute to areas that I am passionate about. I also know that I have a lot to learn from the people around me. Extracurricular activities have provided me with invaluable opportunities for developing understanding and learning new skills, such as helping me to see the practical applications of my academic learning. It’s also great for my wellbeing and a lot of fun to organise events and initiatives and to see people coming together as a community. What tips would you give to other students?

As a student, it can feel like there is pressure to have a sense of certainty in your career direction, which can be difficult when you are still trying to work that out for yourself. I think it can be helpful to focus on your individual strengths and the positive impacts that you can make on your patients and the people around you (even if it feels small at the time), and to take things day by day. You don’t have to know exactly where you are heading in the long run, but hold onto the good and meaningful moments as they pass.

We hear it a lot, but I would also reinforce the value of maintaining your life outside of medicine to help you cope with challenges such as burnout or feelings of failure. It can be easy for medicine to become all-consuming at times, but having a support network and things that bring you joy and meaning outside of medicine can be important for finding some space and keeping things in perspective.

Finally, enjoy the journey! Medical school provides some wonderful opportunities to build connections, make Dr Elly Sarre

For me, keeping busy with things that I am passionate about, outside of study, helps me stay motivated and focused. As we all know, study during medical school can be stressful and overwhelming at times, and I found that having other activities to focus on helped me keep perspective, and also to use my study time more efficiently. I am also lucky to have a family and support network who made balancing multiple commitments possible, friends, learn, and develop new skills. There are challenges along the way, but embrace these where you can and say “yes” to the opportunities that come up. Now, in my first year as a doctor, medical school is a very special time to look back on. What are you planning to do now that you have completed your medical degree?

I am completing my internship in Darwin, and hope to pursue a career in paediatrics. In particular, some areas I would like to work in are climate change and health, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, refugee health and trauma-informed care. I hope to gain experience working in different geographical locations throughout my career. I think that learning from a diverse range of communities about ways of living, and the different challenges people face, will help me contribute more effectively to the delivery of responsive, adaptable and compassionate care.

Dr Kritika Mishra

Why did you become a doctor?

Medicine is an art form – an amalgamation of skills, clinical competence, cultural sensitivity and awareness, empathetic communication and life-long learning. Over time, I realised that my passion and skill set were suitable to the career of medicine, including my love for communication, problem solving, human interaction, and leadership. Similarly, I learnt that medicine was suited to me, being a challenging field where there is no end to learning, a place where teamwork is integral to optimal patient outcomes and a strong workplace culture. These factors, in combination with my personal and work experiences, inspired me to strive to carve my own path in this important, demanding, and evolving field. Was medical school everything you expected?

Looking back, I didn’t anticipate the day-to-day of medical school. Stepping into university, much of what I imagined myself doing was related to the duties I observed doctors perform during my interactions with them. However, I perhaps hadn’t fully understood the depth of education and dedication required to reach this stage. Regardless of not appreciating the intensity of my daily schedule and the exact activities which would be involved, I loved and enjoyed medical school. This was thanks to the amazing friends I made in a supportive cohort, and the inspiring mentors and doctors I met along the way whom I will never be able to thank enough. How did you successfully manage your time?

It was truly an honour to have the opportunity to contribute to the lives of medical students and work with studentcentred staff in our College. I have always been passionate about leadership and holistic learning and development. While academic learning through lectures, textbooks, workshops and tutorials is important, the skills of communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, goal-setting and organisation are best learnt in a practical setting. Although there was a significant commitment of time and mental energy in these roles, there was no better way to develop my professional skill set, which became apparent to me as I stepped into the clinical workplace.

However, organisation, punctuality, accountability and understanding my own limitations were also essential. Truly, I have no perfect answer to how I did all this; however, on reflection, I took each day at a time and broke large goals into smaller, short-term goals to ensure I was being realistic with my vision. I asked for help when help was needed and took guidance and advice from my colleagues.

Thus, in no way am I the only person responsible for the achievements of FMSS in 2022. On the contrary, I was supported by a hardworking, creative, and responsible team I thoroughly enjoyed working with, and I am lucky to have formed special, lasting friendships with them. What tips do you have for other students?

Medical school requires dedication, commitment, sacrifices, and resilience. However, with every challenge comes new opportunities to learn, with every failure there is a new motivation for success, and with every personal trial, a realisation of the need to be sensitive and responsive to the vulnerabilities of your future patients. Reflecting on my own experiences over the past few years, I have learnt that it is okay not to know, to be wrong, to be vulnerable and feel challenged. I have continually redefined what kind of medical practitioner I seek to be in the future and who I will emulate. As I have strived to learn and grow, often buried in textbooks and practice questions, I have at numerous times reminded myself to be kind to myself, and reflect on my achievements – big or small. I encourage others to do the same.

There is so much to enjoy at medical school. There are many special interest groups which enable you to pursue your hobbies outside of medicine. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, form a good support network consisting of family and friends both within and outside of this field, and similarly be a part of others’ support networks. Let us help each other help ourselves.

What are you doing now?

I am an intern at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. I am focusing on adjusting into a new clinical space with new colleagues and a different demographic of patients. In conjunction with work and research, I am trying to balance my time with seeing friends and family, and looking to continue to participate in my hobbies outside of medicine – art, cooking and baking. I am looking forward to a year full of hard work and learning!