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Bremer graduate leads the way for First Nations medical students
[supplied by UniSQ]
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UniSQ Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Medicine Pathway) student Stephanie Towers – pictured at the UniSQ Ipswich campus – is leading the way for future First Nations medical students at UniSQ. Image: supplied
Stephanie Towers has made history as the first First Nations student accepted into the University of Southern Queensland’s (UniSQ) Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Medicine Pathway) program.
A standout student from Bremer State High School, where she was awarded Dux for 2024, Stephanie's achievement marks a significant milestone for UniSQ and the broader medical community.
“I have always dreamed of pursuing a career in medicine, driven by my desire to give back to the healthcare community that provided incredible care for me when I was younger,” Ms Towers said.
“Being the first First Nations student in the Medical Pathway program is an incredible honour.
“Representation in medicine is so important and I am proud to be part of a program that is building a stronger, more inclusive healthcare system for our regional and rural communities.”
Applicants for this program must meet competitive entry requirements, including a minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 95.
Shortlisted candidates undergo a comprehensive selection process, which includes a panel interview convened by the UniSQ School of Health and Medical Sciences. Successful applicants are then invited to progress to further interviews.
UniSQ Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Medical Pathway) Coordinator Dr Edward Bliss said the highly competitive entry requirements made it an amazing achievement to secure a place in the Medicine Pathway program.
“Stephanie’s dedication and passion for medicine and improving the health and wellbeing of the community are truly inspiring,” Dr Bliss said.
“We look forward to welcoming her and the 26 other students into the program and witnessing what they achieve.
“Stephanie is leading the way for future First Nations medical professionals, and we are excited to support her on this journey.”
Graduates of UniSQ’s Medicine Pathway program have a direct pathway into The University of Queensland’s (UQ) Doctor of Medicine, undertaking their studies at the UQ Rural Clinical School in Toowoomba.
The initiative is part of the Darling Downs-South West Medical Pathway, a collaboration between UniSQ, UQ, Darling Downs Health, and South-West Hospital and Health Service, designed to strengthen the regional medical workforce.