A doctor is a trained medical professional whose primary role is to diagnose and treat illnesses, aiming to improve patients’ health and well-being. Their work begins with listening to patients describe their symptoms, then using this information, along with physical examinations and diagnostic tests, to identify the underlying health issues. Doctors possess a deep understanding of the human body, diseases, and medical procedures, which they apply to develop treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Treatment can range from prescribing medications and lifestyle changes to performing surgeries and coordinating with other healthcare professionals for specialised care. Beyond physical health, doctors also address emotional and psychological issues, offering support and guidance to patients and their families through challenging times.
Doctors can specialise in various fields, such as paediatrics, surgery, psychiatry, or cardiology, focusing on specific patient groups or medical areas. They are committed to continuous learning, staying updated with the latest medical research and advancements to provide the best care possible.
In essence, doctors are critical in disease prevention, treatment, and health promotion, playing a key role in maintaining public health. They are trusted advisors on health matters, helping individuals make informed decisions to lead healthier lives, and are instrumental in managing and containing health crises within communities.
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Top tips on preparing for medical school
Key application dates, Vic, NSW and ACT (Yr 12, 2024)
Attached are some dates for medicine applications. Please place them in your diary – many more will be released throughout the year. Please check university websites for dates.
How to study medicine in Victoria
In Victoria, there are three universities that offer accredited medicine degrees – Monash University, The University of Melbourne, and Deakin University. The University of Melbourne also has a partnership with La Trobe University to provide an end-to-end rural medical pathway program in Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga and Shepparton.
Monash University has two entry options. Direct entry from school into a medical degree, and graduate entry where you have to complete an eligible Bachelor degree before you can apply for the MD. Watch the video for an overview of the two pathways.
Deakin University offers graduate entry medicine. You will need to complete a Bachelor degree first before you can apply for the MD.
The University of Melbourne offers graduate entry medicine. You will need to complete a Bachelor degree first before you can apply for the MD. There are guaranteed pathways available into the MD.
The University of Melbourne also has a partnership with La Trobe University to provide an end-to-end rural medical pathway program in Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga and Shepparton. Eligible rural/regional students will first complete the 3-year Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical) at either the La Trobe Albury-Wodonga or Bendigo campus. Then providing academic prerequisites are met, they will complete the 4-year Doctor of Medicine at the University of Melbourne, Shepparton campus.
Course guide – Victoria
How to study medicine in NSW and Canberra
There is more choice for undergraduate and graduate entry medicine programs. The following universities offer accredited medicine degrees – University of NSW, Western Sydney University & Charles Sturt University (Joint Medical Program), University of New England & University of Newcastle (Joint Medical Program), University of Sydney, Macquarie University, Australia National University, and University of Wollongong. Applicants will need to be super organised to keep on top of key dates for admissions and plan their course preferences carefully.
University of NSW offers undergraduate and graduate entry medicine. The video is a recording of the 2023 Medicine Information Evening for Year 12 students.
Course guide – NSW and Canberra
How to study medicine in South Australia
In South Australia, there are two universities that offer accredited medicine degrees – The University of Adelaide and Flinders University.
The University of Adelaide offers undergraduate entry medicine.
Flinders University has two entry options. Direct entry from school into their medical double degree, and graduate entry where you have to complete a Bachelor degree before you can apply for the MD.