Student showcase

Mark Stewart

This year Mark commenced clinical studies in the Dunedin School of Medicine. His year consists of five placements in different clinical settings: general surgery, psychiatry, and three in general medicine. The Dunedin School of Medicine also runs a long case in obstetrics and paediatrics, in which each student follows a pregnant woman through labour, and thereafter conducts follow up of the child throughout the following 12 months. Mark is currently revelling in the privilege of dealing with real patients and real cases, and adjusting to long working days.

The MBChB is a six year degree. The purpose of the first year was to competitively gain entry into the proper MBChB course. Mark’s average in that year was 92%. The second and third years established a fundamental understanding of biomedical knowledge, and of issues relating to patients, doctors and society. The final three years, which he has just begun, provide the opportunity to apply that knowledge to a genuine hospital setting, where clinical skills can be acquired and perfected.

Mark’s desire to pursue general surgery as a career long term as been intensified thus far by his experiences this year. His first placement was in general surgery, which he have completed with potential distinction - a result which so far this year has been awarded to only five students. Fourth year examinations are largely practical, and his short term goal is to achieve distinction in these also.