GRADUATE PROFILE: Dr. Tom Dalton

Dr. Tom Dalton

Graduate Class of 2021, Australia

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was once a mature age student at OUM from a mixed educational and working background, who had always wanted to be a doctor and, with the assistance of OUM, I am now Dr Tom.

What is your educational background?

I have completed a Bachelor of Education, a Diploma of Training and Development, Graduate Diploma in Education (Special Ed), and a Master of Education (Special Ed., Behaviour and Emotion). So, I was fully prepared for a curriculum in Basic Sciences and Medicine (not).

Where did you work prior to joining OUM?

Before OUM I had worked as a primary school teacher across QLD and NSW, a Special Education teach in NSW, and then as a primary school principal in NSW (Millbank, Mid North Coast) and QLD (Trebonne, far North QLD). I then joined the Australian Army and completed 15 years in various positions, finishing as a 2nd InCharge (2IC) for 5 Engineer Regiment. So again, well placed to work within the medical world.

What led you to OUM?

In 2012, I decided to try and commence studies in Medicine and started on the Graduate Entry pathway applications. At that point I was in Sydney and, like many of you, I did GAMSAT and applied. Initially I gained an interview with Flinders, however failed to gain a position. I was told my GPA was not competitive (in my defense, I was a 16-year-old country boy, who was in the ‘big city’ for the first time, who had a great time and passed everything. No one ever told me that my scores during that initial period of study would be needed some day 30+ years later). That is what lead me to study a Bachelor of Training and Development Post graduation, with a much better GPA, I sat GAMSAT again and applied to study medicine. I received an interview with Notre Dame, Sydney. During this process, my mother became unwell, and my sister wanted me to assist her in caring for her, on the Sunshine Coast in QLD, until she was well and fully independent. It was this situation that led me to apply to OUM, the flexibility of the first few years allowed me to relocate to the Sunshine Coast as well as study – something I couldn’t have done if I accepted a position at Notre Dame.

What are you most proud of?

I am proud to have worked with so many dedicated and inspirational young people, who were also studying medicine at OUM. Paramedics who were working alternative terms to ensure they were providing for their family and young mothers who were struggling to balance work/life/family/and study.

What was your experience with AMC1, do you have any advice for the students?

I personally struggled with AMC1, although I know quite a few who prepared for it in a serious and planned manner, and they passed on their first attempt. My initial attempts (3 in total) were hampered with travel restrictions and attempting to manage full-time work and part-time AMC study. Two of my colleagues dedicated several months of solid study and preparation for AMC1 and both succeeded on their first attempt. On my third attempt I took 6 weeks off and studied full time – OUM also provided me with a developed study plan, aimed at successfully completing the AMC, after they became licensed with Lecturio.

My advice for AMC1 is don't wait too long after finalising your MD and be prepared to dedicate adequate time to prepare for it.

Did you complete AMC2 or the WBA?

Not as yet, but the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) where I am currently located does offer WBA. So, I hope to undertake that next year.

How did you gain an internship?

I applied through the Annual Intern Campaign run by all states earlier in the year. IMG Applications are accepted in QLD, SA, and sometimes TAS; so, it’s always a good idea to check your state NSW, VIC, and usually WA don’t allow IMGs to apply. I also submitted applications through the Private Hospital Scheme and JMO Supervised Practice; both of which are aimed directly at IMGs and are the same as an internship.

I was accepted through the JMO Supervised practice at Gosford Hospital. However, at the end of the year the names of any applicants who applied through the State Internship process, who were not recorded as receiving an offer are then sent to all hospitals and the hospital can then make offers directly - this occurs in all states; so that is something to keep in mind. After accepting the offer from Gosford, I had direct phone calls from TAS, ACT, NT, WA, and Rockhampton with offers of a placement - so be strong - there are currently a lot of internships available.

Where are you currently working, and what are your goals for the future?

I am currently working at the CCLHD, which includes Gosford and Wyong Hospitals. These are both semi-rural hospitals and are extremely supportive, intern friendly, hospitals.

Would you encourage OUM Students to attend the annual conference and why?

The annual OUM conference is the place to gain important knowledge about AMC1, placements, and much more. Last year, we met the Intern Placement and Education Officer from Caboolture Hospital, who is extremely supportive of OUM graduates and has helped many IMGs find placements.

Tell us about the OUM Alumni Committee?

I dedicated 18 months to the committee, which involved suggesting updates on teaching delivery and curriculum content, as well as attending an online meeting every 3 months.

Lastly, what advice would you like to give to students reading this issue?

Stay positive, there are going to be difficult times and hard decisions to be made along the way, but in the end, it will be all worth it.

Try not to ‘data dump' all that you learn in the basic sciences and preclinical systems-based modules; believe it or not, the doctors actually know all that stuff and they love asking questions about it. Being prepared and knowing the answer is of course far less humiliating than saying you aren’t sure and need to look it up.

When the time comes, patients and nurses will look to you and call you Doctor. So, ensure that you are prepared to be in a position to ‘do no harm’ and help them through a difficult time. Remember, we will see people in their worst hour, and they need to feel respected and well cared for; no matter what, their attitude reflects in that moment.

Is there anything else you would like to add or like us to know?

Don’t be concerned about the occasional episode of ‘imposter syndrome.’ It’s amazing how quickly it all falls into place

Be prepared to be in a position to do no harm.