Top students guided with scholarships

Scholarships

Two outstanding medical students at the University of Adelaide have been awarded the prestigious Order of Australia Association Foundation (OAAF) scholarships.

Alyssa Fitzpatrick, 20, and Mark Hassall, 22 - both in the fourth year of their medical studies - stand to benefit greatly from the scholarships through financial support and mentorship.

The OAAF scholarships provide $40,000 for tuition fees, accommodation, living allowances and other educational expenses; they also establish an ongoing mentor relationship with a member of Order of Australia Association.

In the first three years of her University studies, Alyssa has been top student in her cohort and has contributed extensively to University, community and charity activities.

Alyssa is interested in the field of oncology and spent last summer working at the Hanson Cancer Research Institute studying emerging treatments.

Mark has gained distinctions in his results and recently graduated with a Bachelor of Medical Science with First Class Honours from the University of Adelaide.

Originally from the ACT, he was elected President of the Adelaide Medical Students' Society in 2009 and is a council member of the South Australian Institute of Medical Education and Training. He has been involved in a range of community and charity work and has an interest in research, especially neurology.

Alyssa said she was thrilled to win the OAAF scholarship because "it gives you the opportunity to expand your horizons".

"The financial support gives you the confidence to be able to do what you want to do without worrying about ongoing financial pressures. And the mentoring component will be very useful - it will give us support in other ways and open doors to future opportunities," Alyssa said.

"As young professionals, this scholarship is an affirmation of our abilities and a validation of our aspirations," Mark said.

"We're still very early in our careers, but it really gives you a sense of direction."

Alyssa will be mentored by Dr Michael Rice AM and Mark will be mentored by Emeritus Professor Derek Frewin AO.

Story by David Ellis