Medical Student Scholarship recipient - Goachagorn Darathai

AMA Queensland 2024 Medical Student Scholarship recipient and 4th year medical student Goachagorn Darathai moved from Thailand to Australia with her mum at the age of nine in pursuit of better educational opportunities.

After facing significant financial and family hardships, Goachagorn has become deeply committed to pursuing a medical career in cardiothoracic surgery.

Recognising from a young age that she wanted to work in medicine, she has used her experiences to deepen her commitment to achieving this goal despite adversity.

“My career aspirations stem from a desire to uplift my family from poverty and address healthcare disparities in under-served communities,” Goachagorn said.

“Growing up, I saw a lot of my family being sick and not getting the right help and it was really sad to see them lose their life at such a young age.

“As the first in my family to pursue higher education, I am driven by a passion for improving healthcare access and outcomes for those in need.”

Initially, without access to tutoring or extra resources, she found adjusting to a new country, language and culture challenging. Through perseverance, she not only adapted but excelled in her studies and was able to apply for medical school.

“Despite our financial constraints, I remain grateful for the opportunities afforded to me through public education and the support of my mother,” she said.

“It taught me to be quite independent which really helped me through high school and now through university. Without this experience, I don't think I would be where I am today.

“The move also helped shape the bond between my mum and I, and that carries along with how I hope to care for patients.”

After just a year of studying, Goachagorn was faced with a new set of challenges that heavily disrupted her life and career goals.

“I found myself temporarily homeless, relying on the generosity of my mother's friend, until I could secure rental assistance through Centrelink,” she said.

Despite the challenges that continued well into her university years, since recognising her goal to become a cardiothoracic surgeon, her ambition has never wavered.

“My ultimate goal since I was a kid is to do cardiothoracic surgery. But if you were to ask 12-year-old me why I wanted to do it, I wouldn’t have had an explanation for why,” she said.

“I've now done a few electives in it, and I really enjoy it. I think because it combines my love for medicine with a commitment to serving others.”

Now in her fourth and final year, Goachagorn is preparing for her first year of interning. This scholarship money will provide her the support to focus on her studies without the financial stress of making ends meet.

“Financial constraints have posed significant challenges throughout my medical education,” she said.

“Currently, I can only work part-time to supplement my income, leaving me with little financial security to cover essential expenses such as rent and utilities.

“The scholarship will provide much-needed relief, allowing me to focus on my studies without the constant worry of financial instability.

“With exams approaching, this support will enable me to dedicate myself fully to my education and clinical training, ensuring that I graduate as a competent and compassionate physician.”