University of Adelaide has 109th Rhodes Scholar

Thursday, 29 October 2015

University of Adelaide 2014 Medicine graduate Dr Danielle Fitzpatrick is the 2016 Rhodes Scholar for South Australia – and the University’s 109th Rhodes Scholar.

Danielle (25) will use the Scholarship to undertake a Masters in Global Health Science, followed by doctoral studies in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Oxford next September.

Announcing the award yesterday, the Governor of South Australia, His Excellency Hieu Van Le AO, said the Rhodes Scholarship recognised outstanding academic achievement, character, leadership and a commitment to community service.

“The calibre of the academic achievements of the six finalists and the extent of their contributions to society through volunteering or other community service is truly remarkable and inspiring,” Governor Le said.

Danielle was Dux of Loreto College in 2008 and started her Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at the University of Adelaide in 2009, with one of four prestigious Adelaide Undergraduate Scholarships.

She was a high achiever throughout her studies, and a recipient of both the General Practice Student Network Scholarship and John Flynn Scholarship. She graduated from the MBBS last year and will finish her medical internship at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in January.

Danielle is also undertaking research in maternal and foetal medicine with the University’s Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, based at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She is investigating the pregnancy complication foetal hydrops, where fluid accumulates in the baby during pregnancy.

“The Rhodes Scholarship will give me an unparalleled opportunity to get a world-class international perspective in public health, and obstetrics and gynaecology,” she says. “I will be part of a global community of dynamic individuals who share my passion for social change.”

She wants to help improve maternal and perinatal outcomes for women, particularly from Indigenous and cultural minority backgrounds within Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. She was Chair of the student Global Health Group in her final year of studies and led the development of student activities in Indigenous and refugee healthcare.

Danielle also trained in classical ballet over 20 years and is a talented pianist.
The Rhodes Scholarship perpetuates the commitment to learning, research and humanity of businessman and philanthropist Cecil Rhodes, who died in 1902 leaving his estate to fund the Scholarship.

Candidates are selected on the basis of outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service. The Rhodes Scholarships support students who demonstrate strong propensity to emerge as 'leaders for the world’s future'.

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