Moreton Bay duo make the cut

Two aspiring doctors from the Moreton Bay Region have been accepted into the University of the Sunshine Coast’s (USC) Bachelor of Medical Science, among this year’s intake of just 20 students.

Leroy Christian, of North Lakes and Connor Stewart, of Redcliffe, each earned an ATAR of 99.60 in their final year of high school to secure the coveted positions and began their studies today (March 1) at USC’s Sunshine Coast campus.

Leroy, who was 2020 Dux of Mueller College, knew from an early age he wanted to study medicine, particularly hearing stories from his mother Parul, who is a specialist doctor.

Amazing stories

“She would come home from work and tell me about the amazing and very real impact she was able to have on people’s lives and that made a profound impact on me,” Leroy says.

“I knew I wanted to use my skills and talents for the betterment of others. I’m also drawn to science and the intricacies of the human body. In particular I am really intrigued by the brain and hope to one day make my mark on neurology.”

When USC introduced its Medical Science degree in 2018, Leroy made it his goal, knowing USC would have a campus at Moreton Bay where he could do some of his study.

Really good

Connor Stewart, a St Patrick’s College graduate, had heard about USC’s Medical Science program from a former schoolmate who is currently studying the degree.

“He told me the program was really good, so I’ve been looking at this course since the end of Year 11,” says Connor, who has a prestigious Thompson Excellence Scholarship from USC.

“Once I learned this, it opened up many new doors for me. And the small cohort means I can have more of a personal experience with my peers and lecturers.”

Own path

He decided at a young age medicine was the path for him after experiencing surgery when he was in Year 6 and seeing other family members who had been helped by doctors.

“No one in my family is in the medical industry, but I’m keen to forge my own path,” says Connor, who has a particular interest in neurology and cardiology.

“I’ve always wanted the opportunity to help people and go into a field where there is always something new to learn. You can never plateau in medicine, there is always new research.”

USC’s Bachelor of Medical Science offers provisional direct entry into Griffith University’s Doctor of Medicine program at the Sunshine Coast Health Institute, providing an accessible pathway for a career in medicine.

There’s more news here