OzTREKK student talks about why she chose Flinders Medical School

30 April 2024

Meet Chase Bolton, a former OzTREKK student and now third-year MD student at Flinders Medical School in Adelaide, Australia. Driven by the impactful experiences of doctors in her family, she was drawn to medicine’s dynamic nature.

“The field of medicine excites me because it’s constantly changing and progressing for the better. New research is always being done to improve the lives of people around the world. I decided to go down this path because of the profound impact doctors had on the lives and health of my family members while I was growing up.”

She found Flinders to be the perfect fit for her aspirations, particularly impressed by its renowned Doctor of Medicine program offering support and early clinical exposure.  

flinders university medical student standing in front of building with flinders logo
Former OzTREKKer and now Flinders MD student Chase Bolton. (Photo credit: Flinders University)

Chase’s experience at Flinders was characterized by an enriching learning environment, where practical experience complemented theoretical knowledge.

“I think that for the Doctor of Medicine program specifically, Flinders stands out from other universities because they offer personal support throughout all four years of the degree (e.g., learning coaches) and offer early ward exposure and early patient interactions.”

Chase found the learning environment enriching. Practical placements at local clinics and teaching experiences bolstered Chase’s confidence and skills, reaffirming her aspiration to become a general practitioner in Australia.

“I’ve had a short-term placement at a local general practice clinic and I’ve had practical women’s health teaching experience in my second year at Flinders. I learn better with hands-on experience as opposed to simply reading a textbook, so these placements greatly improved my understanding and made me feel more confident in my skills and knowledge.”

As an international student from Canada, she was pleased to find a welcoming community at Flinders, fostering friendships through clubs and university activities.

“While being at Flinders, I have received great support from my teachers. My tip for fellow students who are concerned about making friends is to join clubs and attend uni activities. You’re bound to find a group that has similar interests to you.”

As for the future, she envisions herself working in a local general practice (GP) clinic, leveraging the invaluable experiences gained at Flinders.

“I will be undertaking a variety of clinical placements/electives through Flinders, which will help me determine if there’s any other specialties or subspecialties that pique my interest.”

Overall, her journey at Flinders has been transformative, solidifying her passion for medicine and setting the stage for a promising career in healthcare.

This story was originally posted by Shannon Coleman.

About Flinders University Doctor of Medicine

Flinders has a strong profile in medicine both nationally and internationally and are considered leaders in the field of rural and remote health. Flinders Medical School is co-located within a major hospital, Flinders Medical Centre.

The Doctor of Medicine program offers a hand-on approach, blending community and hospital training that offers you exposure to the broad spectrum of health care from the primary to the tertiary level. You will be introduced to clinical practice and performance, and you will undertake practicals and clinical placements throughout the degree. In Year 4, there is an option to do two 6-week clinical placements overseas.

All students will have rural experiences throughout the course, and in Year 4, you’ll be offered a wide range of elective possibilities.

Program: Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Duration: 4 years
Semester intake: February
Application deadline: Rolling admissions. Applications are assessed as received. The earlier you apply the better.

Start your application to the Flinders University Doctor of Medicine!

Find out more about the Doctor of Medicine degree at Flinders University. Email OzTREKK’s medicine team at medicine@oztrekk.com to learn if studying medicine in Australia is right for you.

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