Nerves, excitement as medical journey begins

From left, Gretel Whiteman, Lucy Tudehope, Ellie Forster, Minella Lalloz, Daisy Swindon Macmillan and Katie McLeod
From left, Gretel Whiteman, Lucy Tudehope, Ellie Forster, Minella Lalloz, Daisy Swindon Macmillan and Katie McLeod

While most of Griffith University’s 2015 student cohort still has several weeks before the official start of the university year, work has already begun at Griffith Health.

First-year medical students held their orientation at the Griffith Health Centre on the Gold Coast on Monday and continue to familiarise themselves with facilities, staff and fellow students in preparation for an intense year of learning.

Others have returned to begin postgraduate courses, including Doctor of Medicine students Gretel Whiteman, Lucy Tudehope, Ellie Forster, Minella Lalloz, Daisy Swindon Macmillan and Katie McLeod.

“Orientation is quite daunting because you try to take everything in and try not to be too overwhelmed at the range of options and expectations. You get an idea of just how much lies ahead,” says Gretel, whose main field of interest is paediatrics.

Lucy is hoping to pursue a career in endocrinology, Daisy is considering dermatology or general practice, Ellie shares Gretel’s interest in paediatrics and Katie, while similarly keen on paediatrics, is also drawn towards specialising in the treatment of infectious diseases.

Minella Lalloz relocated from Western Australia to study medicine at Griffith and also hopes to specialise in paediatrics.

“It’s the best place to study medicine. The facilities are fantastic and cutting edge, the teachers are encouraging and helpful and the access to their expertise and the Gold Coast University Hospital is an amazing advantage,” she says.

“We have a long way to go and we may all end up in different areas of medicine. But that’s all part of the excitement.”

First-year undergraduates in all areas of study at Griffith will familiarise themselves with their courses and campuses when Orientation Week (O-Week) begins on February 23, launching the official university year.