Foundation Scholarships help students
Since 2004, the AMA Queensland Foundation has provided more than $475,000 in financial assistance to 28 medical students suffering financial hardship studying in Queensland.
This year, the Foundation received more than 30 applications for the Medical Student Scholarships, making the decision a difficult one.
Two scholarships were awarded and announced at the AMA Queensland Foundation Charity Event in May.
Hiruni Gunasekera, 21, is a second year medical student at Griffith University Gold Coast whose family lives in Brisbane.
During 2021, Hiruni experienced several challenges and disruptions to her home and social life including a breast cancer diagnosis for her mother.
“Following the diagnosis, I found myself travelling back to Brisbane as often as I could to help my mum attend chemotherapy sessions, as well as assist in household work as my sisters attend school.
“This entire situation impacted me profoundly and I found myself feeling overwhelmed with guilt and financial strain.”
With Hiruni’s time split between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and the toll the diagnosis had taken on her family, she found it difficult to concentrate on her studies and even considered dropping out.
Hiruni managed to make it through the year and maintained a good academic performance, but, recognised financial help would ease the pressures her family are still under.
“These funds have made a world of difference to my family.
“My parents have supported me through university so far, but we’ve found our household income essentially slashed and halved.
“This opportunity has changed my life and has allowed me to pursue my studies and help relieve travel costs, enabling me to take care of my mum comfortably as well.”
The second scholarship recipient is a second year student and mother to four children.
We wish both recipients all the very best and look forward to an update on their studies later in the year.
Applications for the AMA Queensland Foundation Medical Student Scholarships are open in November of each year and close mid-February.