Continuing our introductions to graduate employees, today we chat with three medical graduates, who will rotate through five areas, including the opportunity to work at rural locations, where they will cover core medical, surgical and emergency rotations, and consolidate their knowledge on topics such as infection prevention, EMR and safe prescribing, accompanied by fun and practical ideas to support their wellbeing through the graduate program.
Suwandi Dewapura – medical graduate
Pictured: Dr Suwandi Dewapura, Medical Graduate
Suwandi is already well established in the Monash Health community, studying at Monash University and rotating through Monash Health placements during her studies.
In her fourth year at university, Suwandi was placed at Dandenong learning about women’s health, and during her final year, gained exposure to ED and anaesthetics specialties across Monash sites.
Her previous experience with Monash Health has given Suwandi a good understanding of the supportive culture, making Monash Health a logical choice for what is expected to be “a steep learning curve” during the graduate program.
Suwandi’s first graduate rotation is in Emergency Medicine at Clayton, which she is enjoying greatly. A highlight of the term has been the opportunity to “perform airway management under supervision.”
Suwandi’s second rotation will see her at Dandenong learning about colorectal surgery.
Avraham Bart – medical graduate
Studying medicine at Melbourne University, a sense of community engagement drew Avraham Bart to Monash Health.
Pictured: Dr Avraham Bart, Medical Graduate
Avraham also works as a Rabbi in the local Jewish community and believes the pastoral care through this work provides a strong cross-over to his work in the medical field.
Living near Monash himself, Avraham is “interested in Monash Health for the diverse demographic of people” and was also drawn to the range of opportunities that come with such a large organisation.
“Monash is huge,” he says.
“It is easy to become lost…but I have not felt that at all,” in part due to the “incredibly supportive” environment.
Avraham’s first rotation is in general medicine where he has seen a mix of COVID and non-COVID patients, and despite grappling with the challenges of visitation restrictions, the “leadership and guidance has made that so much easier.”
Lilly May Backshell – medical graduate
Pictured: Dr Lilly May Backshell, Medical Graduate
Lilly studied a Bachelor of Science at Monash University, followed by a postgraduate in Medicine.
Starting her career with Monash Health was a no-brainer for Lilly. As a Boonwurrung woman, Lilly feels a connection to the Monash community which falls within Boonwurrung land.
It was “one of the reasons to work for Monash Health…there’s a lot of support for Indigenous doctors,” she says.
Lilly believes that her heritage also plays a part in caring for the patients she sees. During her general surgery rotation, she has met many Aboriginal patients, giving them a “connection they might not otherwise get.”
Lilly is also connecting with Indigenous medical students through tutoring.
Commencing her rotations in general surgery caused some apprehension, but Lilly has “felt so supported” and “enjoys working in a team environment.”
We wish all our commencing graduates the best for their year ahead. Watch this space for more introductions to our 2022 graduate cohort.
Approved by Dr Anand Ponniraivan and Katrina Nankervis