Prisha Goel is a first year Medical School student at UWA.
My typical day:
AM
Most mornings start with a 3-4 hour lecture block which the majority of students choose to attend. It’s a good way to socialise and ask questions to lecturers if needed. On Friday, this is replaced by clinical skills and TBL sessions where we can apply knowledge learnt throughout the week to cases.
Lunch
Lunch break often involves a get-together at our local coffee shop-Santi’s or staying back in the library for group study. I always find studying with friends to be the most efficient way of getting through high volumes of content as we can motivate each other.
PM
I try to utilise some of my evening for dance classes or the gym to recharge from a full day of learning. Sometimes, there are educational events organised by medical student societies which I try to attend as it’s an ideal way to meet other students and learn-either from older students or clinicians who give up their time to speak.
Co-curricular
This year, as the one of the WAMSS MD1 representatives, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in medical school culture. We’ve organised social events with other medical schools in UWA, welfare initiatives such as an ice cream van for our cohort and the academic staff and have helped our year group navigate orientation.
What are your future plans after graduation?
I’m still at an early stage in my learning and my priorities might change in the future but as of now, I would like to make a decision about my speciality, travel, have a diverse clinical role which may involve teaching, leadership and advocacy whilst making time for friends and family. Recently, I attended an event at university where a cardiologist shared his experiences working as a registrar in the US-I’d like to have a similar opportunity to work locums abroad, learn about different healthcare systems and travel.
Ben Milne is a third year Medical School Student.
My typical day:
AM
My mornings consist mostly of waking up reasonably early, trying to squeeze in some study whilst getting ready and before I must leave to drive to placement. If placement starts slightly later, I love to take my dog to the park and spend some time with him before I leave.
Lunch
Around lunchtime is when the ward round has usually finished and students are usually left (in third year) to pursue an activity with the team such as participate in clinic, talk to patients in the ward, or go to teachings offered by the team/PGME of the hospital.
PM
Most of my afternoons this year have been spent coming home after placement, and then studying before I need to make dinner and walk my dog. Third year is very busy, and there is a lot to learn and so there are many hours to be spent learning all the content.
Co-curricular
I have participated this year in tutoring a group of second year students on important topics I have learnt from the previous year, which is highly rewarding. Additionally I have enrolled in the Masters of Public Health through our scholarly activity, which runs alongside the medicine course. Additionally I have been involved with a research project that I am currently writing with the supervision of a Professor at Royal Perth.
What are your future plans after graduation?
My future plans after graduation involve an internship at one of the tertiary hospitals within Perth, most probably Royal Perth Hospital. Following this, I plan on a few residency years around metropolitan Perth, as well as some time in Albany (as I enjoy exploring southwest WA). After my residency and gaining experience, I hope to apply to specialist training, at current my passion lies within the discipline of radiology and hence I hope to also gain some experience during my residency years. After graduation I would love to finish my Public Health Masters that I have started within the MD course, as well as possibly a masters of surgical anatomy. I think medicine is a qualification that you can apply throughout the country, as well as worldwide and so if an opportunity arises to practice in another part of the country or even another country then I would love to pursue this.
Niklesh Warrier is a final year Medical School student at UWA.
My typical day:
AM
Eat as much breakfast and drink as much coffee as you can stomach before heading to Prac. Round with the team. Attempting a few cannulas (and hitting >50% of them).Lunch
Eat as much lunch and drink as much coffee as you can stomach.
PM
Catching up with your consultant or registrar for some bedside teaching. Online/ in-person lectures in the hospital or back to QEII Campus to join my OSCE prep group.Co-curricular
My scholarly activity was taking units within the Master of Public Health program, and have loved it so much I have formally enrolled in the MPH degree and summer units! I have also been involved in research with a Physician I met in MD2, who was my bedside tutor. We are hopefully submitting my first paper for publication soon!
What are your future plans after graduation?
My short term plan when I start my internship in about 4 months is to have a year to grow in my clinical ability and to not worry about any formal exams (it’s been a while since I haven’t had to worry about exams). And to enjoy my first pay-check!
The medium term plan (as it stands) is to complete the MPH, get involved in more research and teaching opportunities – hopefully being an education registrar in the not so distant future!
The longer term plan is to complete basic physician training and then hopefully begin my journey to becoming a Neurologist.
