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OUM Student Magazine: Issue July 2022
WORDS FROM AN OUM GRADUATE
Dr. Timothy Jones
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Graduate Class of 2021, Brisbane, Australia.
I write this in quiet reflection after I attended my graduation ceremony last night, having completed my degree at the end of 2021.
If you’re like me, no matter the job you hold in your current industry or the additional courses you undertake, that nagging itch to become a doctor doesn't go away. You have a deep-seated desire to become a doctor, but GAMSAT and Australian medical schools are an unattainable goal due to life, family, or work commitments.
During my preclinical years at OUM, I worked full-time for the Queensland Ambulance Service. Upon commencing clinical rotations, I made the decision to reduce my hours and work part-time throughout the remainder of my degree. I was very fortunate to have the support of my medical preceptors and my loving wife, who also continued working on a full-time basis, while I was studying. In my experience, the majority of my clinical preceptors were very accommodating. Now, OUM has stream-lined clinical rotation allocations for the better. The university has numerous consultant connections, both in the public and the private hospital setting, which will benefit students immensely.
At times the end goal, of becoming a doctor, can seem unattainable. To alleviate these thoughts, I utilised university alumni mentorships. I formed relationships with Dr. Paul Everett and Dr. Moussa, who kept me focused on the end goal. For this reason, I encourage all students to attend the annual conference to form these connections and to reach out to your academic cohort online. Over the years, I have found that there are many benefits to undertaking an international program. For one, I was able to secure an intern position at my first preference hospital because international graduates are able to approach hospitals directly and speak with their recruitment team to express interest in a position.
Finances OUM’s program afforded me the capability to continue working throughout the duration of the degree. For this reason, I was able to justify the tuition cost; when compared to a Commonwealth Supported Position.
Family It's difficult juggling the intense study load, work commitments and much needed family time. So, my best advice is to focus on a quality over quantity approach. On my days off, I would spend time with my wife and my two sons. We would enjoy quality time at the beach, having a cafe breakfast, or dinner with friends. So, don’t assume that by undertaking medicine that your life will be on hold for the next four years. I think when my family and I undertook this journey we were of the belief that everything would have to wait until I graduated, before our lives could return to normal, but this was certainly not the case. We were still able to take holidays, renovate and sell two houses, as well as raise our two beautiful boys. Stress mitigation is also an important factor in maintaining study productivity and ensuring academic longevity. So, it's important to find the time to do something that you enjoy. For me that included surfing, going to the gym, or playing the guitar. It can be tricky managing all of these things but, if you prioritise your time, you will be able to achieve balance and complete your degree.
Finally, don’t let naysayers stand in the way of your goal! I made the mistake of deferring my studies when I was originally accepted by the university, back in 2014. Unfortunately, I had listened to people who had no concept of what being an international medical student actually involves. In the past I had been concerned about the likelihood of obtaining clinical rotations and securing an internship, but as a graduate, I can tell you that I have seen all of my colleagues complete 72 weeks of clinical rotations and they are now working as doctors in hospitals all over Australia, New Zealand, America and Samoa. I myself was also incredibly fortunate to be offered my intern position within the Sunshine Coast Health Service.
- Signing off for now, Dr. Tim Jones (MD)
