Life-changing pathway delivers first doctors as graduations cap off 60th year
The University of Newcastle will culminate its 60th anniversary year by celebrating the first doctors to graduate from its Excellence through Equity Pathway to Medicine – a groundbreaking uni-ready program redefining who gets the chance to pursue their dreams of becoming a doctor.
The inaugural cohort of five doctors will join almost 4000 graduates – including teachers, nurses, and architects – as they celebrate their remarkable achievements over five days and 13 inspiring ceremonies in December.
Since its launch in 2020, the Excellence through Equity Pathway to Medicine has supported 21 Open Foundation scholars who have navigated sustained educational disadvantage and social inequalities – to study medicine through the Joint Medical Program.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky, AO, said the first cohort of graduates perfectly embodied the University’s mission to create opportunity where it was needed most.
“We’re so proud to celebrate this first cohort of doctors – and every single graduate who’s worked so hard to get to where they are. It’s a strong reflection of the University’s commitment to broadening opportunities and helping students reach their full potential.
“Not only does the pathway give talented students from communities that have traditionally faced barriers the chance to train as doctors – it ensures our health workforce better reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. They’ll not only transform their own lives but strengthen the communities they belong to.”
Sebastian Larkin is one such doctor. After spending years travelling and working in disability support and hospitality, he completed the University’s Open Foundation program before entering the Excellence through Equity Pathway to Medicine. He will graduate as a new doctor with a staunch commitment to rural healthcare.
“This pathway has literally given me everything. I really felt like I was returning with no skills, but the support and encouragement I received made it all possible.
“It showed me that where you start in life doesn’t determine where you can go. Now I’m about to graduate as a doctor, and I hope to give back to rural communities that need care, understanding, and compassion.”
Held in the Great Hall at the Callaghan Campus, the December graduation ceremonies will mark a joyous conclusion to the University’s anniversary year – celebrating six decades of opening doors to education for all.
“I’m immensely proud to reflect on how far we’ve come – on the lives changed, doors opened, and communities strengthened over sixty years,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“What started with 1,700 students and 138 graduates has grown into a global community of almost 38,000 students and 200,000 alumni – and we’re only just getting started.”
“As we look ahead, we’ll proudly continue our role of preparing our students and our regions for the future.”
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Jessica McCourt | Bachelor of Science (Advanced) - graduating 2.30pm Friday 12 December
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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.