Don’t fear change – embrace it.

Ethan Hill
Doctor of Medicine

Changing your university studies from music to medicine feels like a major decision - because it is. But for Ethan Hill, it was the right decision. Around a year into his Bachelor of Music studies, Ethan began to feel uncomfortable about his initial choice.

Ethan realised that, while music was a passion, there were other options that could match his interests and provide a more stable career path. The son of a general practitioner, Ethan worked in his parent’s business on the Gold Coast and developed an interest in medicine as a career.

The decision to change was nerve-wracking. He looked into postgraduate pathways, and while his GPA was high enough, without a science background Ethan had to hit the textbooks to improve his knowledge of biology, physics and chemistry before sitting the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT).

Gaining entrance to his degree was only one step in Ethan’s journey. To take up studies at Flinders’ Northern Territory campus, he had to move from Queensland – away from family, friends and his partner. An eight-year commitment, the decision was hard to make but an important step towards his future career. However, it came with challenges.

With support from Flinders, family at home and his new friends in the Northern Territory, Ethan is making the most of the experience.

Ethan is thriving in a new environment, adapting to new changes and looking forward to the opportunity to work with actual patients – to be able to diagnose and help. Ethan is fearless in his pursuit of his future medical career.

It’s a philosophy that echoes Flinders’ own; we don’t resist change or fear disruption, we embrace it. As Ethan is embracing his new direction… without losing his love of music.