VALUES & VIRTUES

We had a great conversation with some of the International Medical Students in a warm and wonderful "SOCIAL" arranged by the Victorian Medical Students...from University of Melbourne, Deakin and Monash.

International students and International Medical Graduates (IMG's) have to navigate several barriers before they are able to practice their profession.....this is a worldwide phenomenon, straddling many professions.

The shortage of a skilled workforce in some countries is often addressed through importation. Better living conditions, higher wages, and the promise of permanent residency and the benefits that come with it, often attract people. In reality, migrants will compete with locals and society is never as egalitarian as it is seen to be on the surface. As far as International Medical Students who study and train in Australia are concerned, most will get a job, but they find that getting into a training position is extraordinarily difficult. This is true, regardless of whether one is a "local" or whether one is an "International" Student. Its tough to get a residency training position.......PERIOD.

Pursuing a meaningful research degree, is an increasingly sought after option that many medical students consider. Perhaps this is a good way to up skill oneself in the new and emerging technologies that will eventually bring advanced science to the bedside. Genomics, Proteonomics, "Cellomics", SPECTROMICS, AI-assisted Decision Making and Regenerative AI, Machine Learning, Computing and Programming, - a plethora of incredible opportunities to empower oneself are now available......we did not have these even a decade ago.

Finally, there are only a few key essentials ( beyond one's training, skills and qualifications) that people consider when employing someone who is going to touch the lives of others ( as a healthcare practitioner).....

INTEGRITY, PASSION, and RELIABILITY......That is really what I would look for in someone who wants to pursue a residency. It's the small things that support one's claims of integrity.......being honest and transparent in one's everyday dealings. Passion and Enthusiasm lead to effort and solid commitment ! Reliability leads to trustworthiness.

People are judged through the everyday interactions - professional and otherwise......not through their academic qualifications only. Its the small everyday matters that often make us endearing or repulsive to others.....

It was a great event and I was humbled by the enthusiasm and the energy of these students...BEST WISHES to all...