Zack Scholz

Graduate entry medicine

Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Gippsland Partnership Program)

Tell us about your pathway to studying medicine.
My pathway to medicine has been a great experience and a little untraditional. In Year 12 I chose not to sit the UCAT or apply for the undergraduate medicine program. Instead, I found my way to the new Gippsland Partnership Program through Federation University, which eventually led me here to graduate entry medicine at Monash.

My pathway into medicine was very unique, in that I had the opportunity to study simultaneously at Federation University and Monash University, giving me exposure to a wide range of activities and experiences.

Why did you choose to study medicine at Monash?
I feel as though I ultimately chose medicine at Monash because of the location and the unique experiences offered by the medicine program at Monash.

Having grown up my whole life in Gippsland, the ability to stay here and learn and begin practising here was a major factor in my decision to study at Monash."

What other activities or opportunities have you been involved with as a Monash medical student?
This year I have taken on the role of the Year A representative on the Monash Rural Health Gippsland Community Advisory Committee. As the year goes on, I look forward to attending the meetings and increasing my involvement with the program.

What are your career aspirations at this stage?
I feel like at this stage, my career aspirations are very much up in the air, in terms of what I see myself specialising in, in the future, but something like anaesthetics does interest me currently. One thing that I do hope to achieve in my career is being able to specialise in whatever speciality I choose and then being able to work and apply my skills and knowledge back here in Gippsland.

What advice would you give a rural secondary student considering applying for medicine?
For any rural secondary students who are aspiring to medicine, my advice would be to take any and every opportunity that comes your way. If you feel as though you have a passion for medicine, then chase it. There are so many different pathways and routes that you can take to get into medicine and it is truly worth it in the end.

My final piece of advice in applying for medicine is to just be yourself. I know that when applying for medicine at first I saw being a rural student as being a bit of a disadvantage, but it is far from it. The unique experiences and skills that rural students have can be the biggest advantages in helping you make your way into medicine.

Learn about the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Gippsland Partnership Program)