Giving back to her community is the inspiration that drives this year’s Medical Council of Tasmania Medical Student Scholarship recipient, 19-year-old Grace Badcock.
The first year University of Tasmania School of Medicine student will be supported by the scholarship which will provide her with $10,000 a year for five years- to assist with her studies.
The scholarship also provides students with a mentor program to access throughout their studies.
“This scholarship is really life changing and was the best news I could have had,” Grace said.
“There were a lot of emotions going on when I found out I was being considered for the scholarship and I don’t think I’ve ever been more nervous in my life to have an interview.”
An outstanding Scotch Oakburn College student from Launceston, Grace has a passion for people, science and community work.
“Medicine made sense because I love science and knew I really wanted to work with people and give back to the community,” she said.
“It was taking part in community work at Morton’s Place in Launceston which provides a safe space, food and company for community members, that I realised there was a lot that I could to do to give back to the community and that becoming a doctor was a way to do that.”
While she is trying to keep an open mind as to which medical direction she might go, Grace’s interests are already pointing towards women’s health, obstetrics and perhaps even environmental medicine.
Grace is also looking forwarded to taking part in the School of Medicine’s Rural Week, which gives Bachelor of Medical Science students the chance to experience what it is like to work in regional communities.
“Coming from a regional area, rural health is an interest of mine and I’m hoping to go for a rural placement in year four and five of my studies,” she said.
“This scholarship will hopefully help me become the best and most informed doctor I can be.”
University of Tasmania’s Head of Medicine, Professor Ben Canny, congratulated Grace on her achievement.
“I welcome Grace to the School of Medicine and wish her all the best for her studies in whichever field of medicine she pursues,” Professor Canny said.
“Grace’s excellent academic results, passion for rural health and drive to help her community a rock-solid basis for her future studies, development and career in medicine.”
About the scholarship
The Medical Council of Tasmania, upon its dissolution in 2010, invested with the University of Tasmania Foundation an endowment to provide the most significant scholarship for medicine students in the history of the University. Each year one new promising student is awarded the scholarship, providing opportunity and inspiration to the next generation of Tasmanian medical professionals who may not have otherwise had the financial ability to embark upon the challenging five-year degree.
Photo: Grace Badcock (middle) with past Medical Council of Tasmania Medical Student Scholarship recipients Caitlin Court (left)and Jordan Cser (right).
