Monash medical students receive scholarships to support future rural practice
The first recipients of two newly established medical scholarships have been awarded.
Through its insurance brand PSA Insurance, Victorian Medical Insurance Agency Limited has been supporting medical scholarships at Monash since 2010 and in 2023 established the Monash PSA Insurance Rural Medical Scholarships. The two scholarships support first year medical students in either the Extended Rural Cohort or the End-to-End Rural Cohort with an annual stipend of $8,000 across the course of their medical degree.
The inaugural recipients of the Monash PSA Insurance Rural Medical Scholarship (Extended Rural Cohort) are Jaicob Barrot and Ali Al-Zubaidy.
Jaicob is a first year medical student, with a passion for medicine born from accompanying his younger brother to hospital for several years early in his life. Born in Mount Waverley, Jaicob has had links to Monash his whole life, including being a nominated Monash Scholar by his high school. Jaicob was immensely grateful for being selected for this scholarship.
“I am so thankful beyond words to receive this incredible opportunity. This scholarship will significantly ease the most significant barrier to my university education, and I am incredibly grateful for that. Having chosen to complete my medical training in rural Victoria through the rural pathway, the scholarship monies will contribute immensely towards helping pay for accommodation and other expenses such as food. Similarly, this scholarship will greatly assist me in purchasing the necessary equipment for the course, such as textbooks and my first stethoscope.”
Jaicob was exposed to the work of medical professionals for a considerable amount of time while his family members were in and out of hospital, and developed a deep appreciation for their work. It is that appreciation that drives Jaicob to do well in his academic work.
“This year, I wish to do the best I possibly can on assessments and make the successful transition from high school to university life. This means stepping out of my comfort zone socially and, ideally, forging a number of lifelong friendships with like-minded people.”
Ali Al-Zubaidy was born in Iraq and migrated to Australia as a child, so that his father could finish his PhD in Civil Engineering at Monash University, supported by a scholarship.
“A huge motivating factor for me to study at Monash University stems from the fact that it has had such a tremendous impact on my family’s life ever since we migrated to Australia. My interest in medicine sparked from seeing how the orthopaedic surgeon treated me as a child. I admired how my doctor intuitively explained to me the importance of having a break from sports despite my eagerness.”
Ali has already completed work experience as a receptionist at his local GP clinic, which affirmed his interest in medicine.
“I am incredibly grateful to receive this scholarship and appreciate its positive impact on my studies and future career ambitions. I hope to make the most of the generosity offered through this scholarship and make the most of this opportunity.”
The first recipient of the Monash PSA Insurance Rural Medical Scholarship (End-to-End Cohort) was also awarded this year, though wished to remain anonymous. They greatly appreciated the scholarship, which represented the chance for them to give back to the community.
“I was ecstatic upon receiving this scholarship. It is a profound encouragement, inspiring me to persevere and contribute meaningfully to the community I am passionate about serving. I am very grateful to have been chosen for this and thank the Victorian Medical Insurance Agency for funding it.
The scholarship is a beacon of support, enabling me to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to my studies and future career in healthcare without the looming worry of financial constraints. It is more than just a scholarship; it is an investment in my commitment to give back to the community and enhance our healthcare system, ensuring that others may not face the gaps I once observed as a child.”
According to Professor Shane Bullock, Head of Monash Rural Health, the scholarships will help provide greater financial security for the recipients, enabling them to realise their educational ambitions.
“We are grateful for our partnership with Victorian Medical Insurance Agency to be able to support these students over the duration of their studies. One of the best ways to encourage doctors to practise in rural or regional areas is to introduce them to the regions while they are students and provide them with high-quality and immersive healthcare and community experiences. We know that a key barrier to taking up a long-term placement in a rural setting is the cost of accommodation, travel and meeting living expenses. The PSA Insurance scholarships provide the means to overcome this barrier.”
Join us to Change it. For Future Generations
The Victorian Medical Insurance Agency Limited’s generous philanthropic gift contributes to the university’s Change It. For Future Generations campaign, which is the largest public fundraising initiative in Monash’s history.
You too have the power to support students experiencing disadvantage. We invite you to have a conversation with our team to find out how the gift of a scholarship can transform lives.