OUM AUS Graduate Profile: Dr Ian Unverzagt

Dr Ian Unverzagt

Graduate Class of 2014, Australia.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am married, I like to surf, and I do F45 six days a week.

Prior to studying at OUM, what was your educational background?

I have a degree in Paramedicine, a Postgraduate in Intensive Care Paramedicine and a Postgraduate in Aviation Medicine.

What year did you graduate from OUM?

2014

Where did you work prior to studying at OUM?

I had been employed by the Queensland Ambulance Service for over 30 years.

Do you think your healthcare background aided you studying a Doctor of Medicine (MD)?

Not really. Be prepared to unlearn things and change your perspective on the way you approach your patient.

How did you manage your study, family and work schedule?

If it wasn’t for my beautiful wife who is also a paramedic working long hours to get me through, I wouldn’t have made it.

Tell us about your experience with AMC1 exam?

I thought the examination had a moderate level of difficulty.

Is there anything that you would recommend, for future graduates, that would enhance their performance in AMC1?

Utilise the MCQ's on the AMC website.

Where did you do your internship, and how did you secure this position?

I was introduced to the recruitment officer for the Prince Charles Hospital (PCH), by one of my connections, and I started my internship mid-year.

Where did you undertake your JHO and SHO years?

I completed my Junior House Officer (JHO) year in the Adult and Paediatric Emergency Departments at PCH. My Senior House Officer (SHO) year was spent in Thoracic Medicine, Gastroenterology, Cardiology, Orthogeriatrics and Acute Psychiatry, at PCH.

What did you find the most rewarding during intern/PGY1&2?

You take a quantum leap and begin to feel comfortable in your practice.

What did you find the most challenging during intern/PGY1&2?

After completing your internship, there is a greater amount of expectation placed on you and, as a result, you end up completing stressful after hours shifts.

Did you undertake AMC2 or the work-based assessment? Could you tell us a bit about your chosen pathway?

I undertook AMC2. I found this very challenging, and it took me three attempts. I credit my success to my tutor, Dr Vinu Verghis, she was instrumental in improving my approach to the exam and perfected my examination technique.

Do you have any advice for student's in regards to AMC2 preparation?

Don’t do what I did, and attempt it on your own. Just pay a great tutor like Vinu! She was absolutely brilliant!

What specialty have you decided to undertake?

I have chosen to undertake Rural Generalist Training I will hopefully be starting in mid 2023.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to locum for the next six months before starting my training in July.

Would you recommend OUM to potential students?

Yes

OUM hosts an annual student conference where students have the opportunity to interact with faculty, alums, fellow students, and recruiters. Is this something that you would recommend students to attend?

As a student, this is where you need to be!

What advice would you give to those reading this issue?

Once you get through your intern year, it’s only going to get harder. Foster an intrinsic love of learning and never be satisfied with your knowledge base. Take every opportunity to master procedures and medical terminology.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Medicine is a long journey If you are tenacious, and you work hard, it will all pay off.