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HenryCameron

Henry Cameron is pursuing a Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) at the ANU Medical School, Australian National University.

What were you doing before you commenced your postgraduate qualifications at ANU?
Before starting my postgraduate studies, I completed a Bachelor of Health Science at ANU.

What do you enjoy doing with your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy being involved with the ANU Med Revue, where I write and perform. I also volunteer at Ronald McDonald House and love taking walks around the lake. Catching up with my friends has become even more meaningful now that we’re all on different placements across various hospitals. Additionally, I am pursuing a Diploma of Child Health alongside my current studies.

Why did you choose ANU?
I initially chose ANU for my undergraduate degree for a few reasons. I was fortunate to attend a national debating grand final in Year 11, which was hosted at ANU. We stayed at Burgmann College, and it was the first time I seriously considered moving away from home for university. I was impressed by the campus, the diversity, and the opportunities available. Coming from Adelaide, I felt that Melbourne or Sydney might be a bit overwhelming at 18, but Canberra offered a great balance with its residential colleges and support systems. I was also particularly drawn to the Bachelor of Health Science, which offered a direct pathway into medicine — something I had always aimed for. Attending Open Day in Year 12 and meeting both academic staff and students gave me a strong sense of what ANU is like, and seven years later, I’m now in my final year of medicine and couldn’t be happier with the choice I made.

How did you first hear about ANU?
I first heard about ANU through the debating conference I attended. My high school in Adelaide didn’t really promote universities outside South Australia, so I hadn’t heard much about interstate options. The ANU Open Day played a key role in helping me understand the process and opportunities available.

What professional development opportunities have you had at ANU?
Throughout my time at ANU, I’ve had a range of professional development opportunities. Living in a residential college was incredibly formative, and later I became a Senior Resident at Wright Hall. I’ve also taken part in various research courses and worked as a tutor in Neuroscience and Medicine, helping students who needed academic support. I’ve had casual work experience with the ANU Marketing Department as well. On top of that, the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery degree itself is heavily focused on professional development, with extensive teaching and placements forming the core of the program.

What do you like most about your student experience so far?
The people I’ve met over the years have had a huge impact on who I am today. ANU has introduced me to lifelong friends and professional colleagues. It has given me the opportunity to pursue what I’ve always wanted- a career in medicine. One of the most transformative aspects was moving away from home and living in a residential college, which challenged me and helped me grow far more than I would have in a more comfortable, perhaps even boring, home environment.

What opportunities have been made available to you during your degree?
I’ve had the chance to take part in a remote placement in the Northern Territory, working at a health clinic five hours outside of Alice Springs. I also completed an international elective placement at Bristol Royal Infirmary for Children. Additionally, I’ve worked as a tutor for undergraduate courses, participated in a number of clubs and societies, and contributed to several research projects.

What extracurricular activities did you participate in at ANU?
My extracurricular involvement at ANU has been incredibly rewarding. I served as a Social Officer and later a Senior Resident in my residential college. I also played and captained a volleyball team and represented the ANU Medical Students’ Society as a General Representative. I founded the ANU Teddy Bear Hospital and have been actively involved in the ANU Med Revue, where we raised over $10,000 for Companion House through our performances.

What's next after you complete your study?
After completing my degree, I’ll begin work as a Junior Doctor, likely as an intern at Canberra Hospital. My long-term goal is to pursue Paediatric Specialty Training.

What is your favourite thing about living in Canberra?
My favourite thing about Canberra is how easy it is to live here. Everything is accessible, and the nature is beautiful. Most importantly, the people make it special- Ken Berrans (Canberrans) are positive, progressive, and kind. There’s a genuine sense of community here that I really appreciate.

Any advice for future students?
I can’t emphasise enough how valuable the connections you make at ANU are. Try everything and be open to forming a wide and diverse friendship circle. Don’t hesitate to reach out to academic staff, whether it’s for support in your course or to explore other interests and career options. The staff at ANU genuinely want to help you succeed and pursue your passions. And most of all, enjoy your time here - I’ve been at ANU for seven years, and it feels like it’s gone by in a flash.