Yapug opens the way for a young doctor in the making
A proud Wiradjuri man from Singleton on Wonnarua Country, Scott left school in year 10 to start working on a horse stud farm.
Since then, he has held numerous roles across a variety of industries. Finding his way to community services, Scott began to dream of studying medicine to help his community and started tertiary education.
Discovering Yapug, a pathway program designed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people gain skills for entry into undergraduate degrees, Scott knew this was his chance to become a doctor.
“After reading about the Yapug program, I felt it was a perfect fit for me and so I decided to apply.”
“During my studies in the Yapug program, I have learnt and continue to learn all the skills I will need to successfully move into my undergraduate degree; not only academic skills but also how to navigate the university as a whole,” he said.
Through the Yapug program and Wollotuka Institute, Scott has found a community that not only develops academic skills, but also provides opportunities and workshops to help balance life and take a step back when things get challenging.
Speaking of his goals for the future, Scott sees Yapug as the first step on his journey to becoming a doctor through the Joint Medical Program offered at the University of Newcastle.
Working as a doctor isn't just a pipe dream for Scott, but also a way to role model to his two young children that with the right motivation, they can achieve anything.
“Becoming a doctor is not just my dream, but a way to further help my community by being able to provide great healthcare. It’s also a way to show my two boys that they can achieve anything in life and to teach them about the importance of education,” he said.
Scott Burgess will graduate in a ceremony on Wednesday 13 December at 2pm.
Read more about graduation and the success of our students:
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.