Dust yourself off and try again: you can do it and become a doctor
Failing doesn’t make you a failure, and it’s not a reason to give up on your dream. That’s what Shelby Edwards discovered while studying medicine at the University of Newcastle.
A proud Barkindji woman, Shelby’s journey to becoming a doctor hit more than a few setbacks.
After the initial excitement of being accepted into the Joint Medical Program (JMP) – a highly respected program for aspiring doctors, jointly run by the University of Newcastle and the University of New England – Shelby didn’t make it through her second year.
Terms like ‘failure’ and ‘imposter syndrome’ crept into her thoughts, but ultimately, she made the tough decision to return to study and try again.
“I could’ve given up on my degree, but then I realised I’m not the only one who has failed.
“Through the JMP, I met a number of current medical professionals who were in the same boat – they also failed or repeated courses, and yet they’re still achieving in their field.
“So, after some sound advice from these role models, I realised it’s not the end of my career. I just need to keep going – I can do it, and I will become a doctor,” Shelby said.
And she did. Four years later, Shelby graduates amongst the largest cohort of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders doctors ever to come through the JMP program.
“I am so honoured and proud to be a part of this cohort. Like anything, there have been challenges along the way but I wouldn’t be standing where I am today if it wasn’t for the support of the University and this program,” Shelby said.
It wasn’t just academic hurdles Shelby has overcome – she also battled racism and negatives perceptions of black doctors along the way.
When she told one employer what she was studying, Shelby was blown away by their reaction.
“They told me they make the course easier for us people and I only got in because I’m Aboriginal. That they are just trying to give me an easier education, so once qualified they can send me out bush and work as a rural doctor back with community.
“I was so confused as to why they would say this and presume such nonsense. It was depressing and frustrating to know that people still think this way.
“I got into the Joint Medical Program on my own merits and hard work. It’s a mainstream course run by the Uni which saw me studying with students from all backgrounds,” she said.
Shelby’s study journey started when she enrolled in the University of Newcastle’s Yapug pathway program, with a plan to study nursing or paramedics. Her mentors at Yapug recognised her potential and encouraged her to consider medicine.
“I could never see myself as a doctor and brushed it off, until I enrolled into the Miroma Bunbilla program – a pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who want to study medicine.
“I left my enrolment to last minute, but I’m so glad I was accepted as Miroma Bunbilla gave me a real insight into medicine. It just clicked as to why I wanted to work in the medical space.
“Starting my medical degree was nerve-racking, but I was there with other students from Miroma Bunbilla which gave us an instant support network that we could use to sit and study together and not feel so isolated,” said Shelby.
Shelby praised the practical nature of the JMP program, including having access to some of the top medical minds in the country.
“I found the Joint Medical Program was the best. The tutorials were excellent, and we had high-level doctors who are currently working in the medical space teaching us. We got firsthand insight into what’s going on in the field – like the Heads of some of the major units at the John Hunter hospital, who could give us real-life examples during our studies,” she said.
Shelby completed her student placement program at the Biripi Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre in Taree. It was there she saw first-hand the way Indigenous patients were treated, and why so many are discouraged from using the healthcare system.
“It was such an eye-opening experience,” Shelby explains.
“We had a patient come in who had been constantly turned away from the mainstream medical service. On close inspection, she needed urgent surgery. It’s heartbreaking examples like this that explain why mob don’t have faith in the healthcare system.
“People just don’t come back after having a bad experience, and their health suffers. If we can get more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors, as well as more education to the wider community on our people and our history, I think it will help.”
While becoming a doctor wasn’t always her life goal, now Shelby can’t imagine doing anything else.
“I can’t wait to work in the medical space – to see someone who is suffering and find out what’s wrong. I want to encourage patients to keep seeking ongoing medical support, whether you’re Aboriginal or not,” she said.
Shelby is so passionate about the Miroma Bunbilla pathway program and the Joint Medical Program, she wants to share her experience and encourage more mob to chase their dreams.
“I want to let my Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community know that University is achievable for anyone and everyone. Just because you don’t live in a big city, go to a private school or get the school marks you need, there are so many pathway programs available to help you get into university.
“Students can achieve anything they want with the right support around them, which is exactly what I found through all my studies at the University of Newcastle. All my teachers in Yapug, Miroma Bunbilla and the JMP, as well as the support you receive from Thurru and the Wollotuka Institute, can help you achieve above and beyond,” she said.
To watch the 2024 Callaghan Graduation livestream recordings please click here.
For future Graduation ceremonies and dates please click here.
Read more about graduation and the success of our students:
Education that empowers: University of Newcastle celebrates record graduation
Off-field career pivot for psychology graduate Alex McKinnon
Maddie aspires to build engineering dreams
Tori digs up past to plan for her future
Aradhana finds strength in supporting others
Contact
- Melanie Sutton
- Email: melanie.sutton1@newcastle.edu.au
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