Student Highlights
From Admin to Doctor

Proud Wonnarua man with family ties to the Singleton area in the Hunter Valley, Levi grew up in Bundjalung Country in the Northern Rivers area of Lismore, temporarily moving to Brisbane before returning home and starting work in a medical clinic.

“I relocated back to Lismore and successfully secured a business administration traineeship at a local general practice clinic. This gave me the skills to navigate my way through the demands of a busy medical center and further develop my communication skills with patients, and many various health professionals,” he said.

Working in the clinic for a further nine years, Levi was able to see firsthand the health issues facing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

“I was able to use my platform of employment to engage in health education, health promotion, health advocacy programs, and liaise between the medical centre and my community,” he said.

Understanding the need for a culturally safe environment where community members could see an Aboriginal clinician for their health care needs, he was inspired to start exploring his own career opportunities within this space.

“I began exploring further opportunities and commenced a Cert IV Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Practice) through TAFE, NSW. Upon completion of this certificate I became registered with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a registered Aboriginal Health Practitioner,” he said.

After some personal doubt surrounding starting a medical degree later in life, Levi discovered Yapug - a pathway that could help him to become a doctor.

“[Finding] Yapug, which could potentially lead me into medicine, I made enquiries and saw some stories of previous students who had done it and successfully secured a place in the Joint Medical Program. I instantly thought ‘that’s the one for me’,” he said.

Moving from Lismore to Newcastle, Levi began the journey to studying medicine at the start of 2021.

Feeling the Yapug program gave him the opportunity to succeed within a university setting, Levi was able to study health directed courses to get a taste for medicine before even starting his degree.

“I truly believe that the Yapug course prepared me with the fundamental skills that I needed to progress into the Joint Medical Program,” he said.

Being taught through the Wollotuka Institute, Levi was enveloped in a sense of community while living and studying on Awabakal country.

Knowing he was supported by the community at Wollotuka, Levi felt he could be involved in discussions and continue to grow within both the university space and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

“I have always felt safe, welcomed, supported and have always felt like it is my ‘home away from home’”, he said.

“The Wollotuka Institute provides learning/study areas that are extremely valuable, and I use these areas regularly.”

Now in his second year of the Joint Medical Program (JMP), Levi gained entry through the Miroma Bunbilla program after completing Yapug.

“After completing Yapug within 12 months and achieving excellent results, I was eligible to apply to the Miroma Bunbilla entry program to the JMP. This, along with Yapug, was very much the steppingstone for me to successfully gain a place in the JMP,” he said.

Levi feels lucky to be part of a growing community having completed Yapug and transitioned into medicine study.

“The evidence that this program can lead you to wherever you want to go is there. There are countless stories of students who completed Yapug and have completed or are currently studying various degrees. I am extremely grateful that I was fortunate enough to have this opportunity,” he said.

Wanting to go back to where it all started for him, Levi aims to return to Lismore to be with his family and contribute to the improvement of health and creating a safe medical service for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

“I am certainly interested in a career in general practice, as it is where my journey began and where I feel most comfortable. However, I still have plenty of time, and lots of experience to gain, so I will keep my mind open and see what I enjoy most,” he said.

For those considering applying for Yapug, Levi says “don’t let the opportunities in front of you slip by. Even if it is not medicine you’re interested in, successfully completing the Yapug program opens an endless number of doors in so many areas of study within the University of Newcastle.

“I was entering a place outside my comfort zone, but when I made my decision to pursue university studies, I was welcomed into a new world with arms wide open.

I would strongly encourage anyone thinking about it to make an enquiry, visit the Wollotuka Institute, have a cuppa and a chat with the friendly staff, and then you will see the true beauty of what this course can do.”

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Levi Franks

After working in an admin role in a general practice clinic, Levi was inspired to pursue medicine on a deeper level. He found his beginning in Yapug, and is on his way to achieving his goals and supporting his community.

Don’t let the opportunities in front of you slip by. Even if it is not medicine you’re interested in, successfully completing the Yapug program opens an endless number of doors in so many areas of study within the University of Newcastle.