Claudia’s pathway to medicine through perseverance and support

After eight years working in a trade, Claudia made the bold decision to return to study and pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. “I didn’t get the grades in school that I needed for my dream career in medicine,” she says. “[I] chose to come back to try to get into university as a mature age student.”

Claudia’s journey began with Open Foundation at the University of Newcastle, which she describes as a “second chance” that helped her believe in her potential. “Open Foundation felt very non-judgmental, coming in as an adult who hadn’t been in education for a long time,” she says. “[It] made me think ‘hey, no, I could do this’.”

Now studying in the Joint Medical Program (JMP) through the Excellence through Equity Pathway to Medicine (EtE), Claudia is passionate about women and children’s health, obstetrics, and the impact of healthcare on communities.

Claudia credits her sister – who was the first in her family to attend university – as a major source of inspiration, but her biggest motivator is her son. “As a single parent, I really wanted to have a better life for my son and to give him all the opportunities I would’ve loved growing up.”

Her time at the University has been shaped by supportive lecturers and coordinators. “[The Open Foundation Academics] were some of the best lecturers I have ever had,” she says. “It’s 100% due to their belief in me that I tried for the JMP/EtE in the first place.” She also praises the JMP coordinators for their ongoing support throughout her medical studies. “They are beyond helpful, checking in when they think we need it”.

While Claudia hasn’t yet completed formal placements, she’s enjoyed hands-on learning through university club-led skills nights, gaining experience in suturing, intubation, casting, and obstetric care.

Speaking to the benefits of the EtE pathway, Claudia notes the importance of being surrounded by community with different experiences and perspectives. “Having a community of people around me has helped so much, and having a coordinator with whom I run things by has been so good”, she said. “I’ve loved being a part of a cohort of people who got to medicine through so many different life paths”.

Looking ahead, Claudia is considering a career in obstetrics or emergency medicine. Her advice to future students? “Study hard and make sure you connect with students around you! Take every opportunity you can to learn, not just in your field, but every field that comes your way!”

Claudia Lepage

Deciding to return to study as an adult can be hard, but Claudia is thriving in higher education thanks to Open Foundation and the Excellence through Equity Pathway to Medicine.

Having a community of people around me has helped so much, and having a coordinator with whom I run things by has been so good.