Excellence through Equity Pathway to Medicine: Creating opportunities for students from a variety of backgrounds

Dedicated to graduating high-quality medical practitioners who are reflective of society, this pathway provides opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds who have experienced disadvantage throughout their educational journey.

Endorsed by the University’s Vice Chancellor, Alex Zelinsky, the EtE pathway provides six places for admission into the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program) for current Open Foundation students and, extending to Enabling students from the past five-years who may have a lower UCAT ANZ threshold, if they meet the EtE criteria.

Students see the EtE pathway as an opportunity to achieve their goals. EtE scholar, Daniel Hali is grateful for the opportunity this pathway provides.

“In 2019 I moved to Newcastle to pursue becoming a doctor; and thanks to the EtE Pathway I now have the privilege of being part of the Joint Medical Program! I'm driven by the thought that at the end of this I'll be able to help people in a way I never could have without the knowledge, skills and support that this course offers, and am extremely thankful for the opportunity to be part of it,” Daniel said.

EtE applicants demonstrate socioeconomic disadvantage including financial hardship, and at least two equity indicators. Along with this, applicants provide a personal statement reflecting on their interest in, enthusiasm for and understanding of Medicine.

Open Foundation graduate, Alyse Collopy, grew up in a regional town and was home-schooled after pursuing an international career as a full-time ballet dancer. The EtE pathway provided the opportunity for Alyse to pursue her medical passion.

“By being given the opportunity to pursue a new profession that has everyone’s best health and well-being in mind, I would like to bring about better health awareness and accessibility to those who live in more remote areas within Australia and internationally.

“Without the introduction of the Excellence Through Equity Pathway and the guidance of my wonderful Open Foundation teachers, this possibility to study in the JMP would not have been a possibility for me and has put me 1 year closer to actualizing my potential as a medical professional,” Alyse said.

Equity of access to higher education is a core value of the University of Newcastle and the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, with a mission to provide education to students from a variety of backgrounds. The Excellence through Equity Pathway to Medicine embodies this value, helping to provide opportunities to students with diverse backgrounds who have experienced social inequities. This pathway is another example of the University’s innovative approach to ensuring it is graduating high-quality medical practitioners who are reflective of society.

To learn more about the EtE Pathway, visit the Excellence Through Equity Pathway to Medicine website.