Dr Toby Sen Gupta (right) and his sister Eliza at the opening of the James Cook University Medical School, 5 December 2000
A Doctor 20 Years In The Making Tianna Graham Communications and Engagement Coordinator, James Cook University Dr Toby Sen Gupta is a graduate doctor entering the next phase of his medical training. Born and bred in Townsville, Toby is undertaking his internship at the Townsville University Hospital in 2021. Combining his passions for rural medicine and North Queensland, Toby has set his sights on a career in rural generalism. Here, Toby reflects on his time at JCU, and how his connection to the university unknowingly began as a toddler.
On the 5th of December 2000, when I was three, I attended the opening ceremony for the JCU School of Medicine. My dad, Professor Tarun Sen Gupta, was part of the original group of teaching staff. Reflecting on it, even from a young age, the desire to be a doctor has always been there. It’s been a very straightforward journey for me.
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I chose to study at JCU because I knew about the university’s focus on rural and remote health. My dad was also a great role model for a career in rural generalism, so JCU’s rural focus really appealed to me. I also enjoyed living in North Queensland and couldn’t see myself heading south for study, having to wait 40 minutes in traffic to get to university every day.
