Support for Brilliant International Medical Students

Monday, 8 April 2019

Dr Benj Tarsh has decided to leave a gift in his will to the University of Newcastle to assist other international students who share his passion to help others.

Dr Benj Tarsh

Benjamin Tarsh grew up in the UK and knew from the age of five that he wanted to be a doctor. However, life had other plans, throwing educational and health challenges in his way. When he was finally able to apply to medical school, he was told by schools in the UK that he was too old. However, in 1996, a dynamic medical school, seeking those students who would excel as clinicians, as well as raw academic talent, recognised his burning ambition to be a doctor.

A delighted Benj travelled to Australia and joined the University of Newcastle. As an international student, Dr Benj Tarsh learned more than the art and science of medicine; he learned about the dreams, aspirations and hardships of his fellow international students. As a result, he has decided to leave a gift in his will to the University of Newcastle to assist other international students who share his passion to help others.

Dr Tarsh’s wish is to establish a fund to support a prize and scholarship for international students studying medicine, in honour of his parents, Helen and Nick Tarsh.

“I will always be grateful for the education I received through the University of Newcastle. I was fortunate to have support from my parents, but so many of my fellow international students really struggled – either to support themselves financially or with being a long way from their own families and culture. I hope my gift will help create more empathetic, passionate clinicians with a life-long thirst for knowledge and desire to achieve the best outcomes for their patients. That’s what studying at the University of Newcastle did for me.” -  Dr Benj Tarsh (B Medicine 2001)

“Diversity among our healthcare workforce is extremely important. We are committed to supporting both our Australian students studying overseas and international students coming to Australia. Bequests like this spark a chain of positive action: more well-trained doctors means people can do more and live longer, happier lives.” - Laureate Professor John Aitken, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Health and Medicine

Thank you Dr Benj Tarsh for your generosity. Your support will help other committed international students become  brilliant doctors.

Sparking a Trail of Good

Our bequests brochure is a guide to making a lasting impact beyond your lifetime.
To receive your free copy, contact Maria Pavela, Development Manager (Bequests) on 02 4921 8612 or email donor-relations@newcastle.edu.au

Read more in The Gift Newsletter


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