Starting Medicine at 40.MEDICINE AT 40

for their orders at the bakery in Blayney about twelve years ago. From there, a close friendship developed between Max, his devoted partner Margaret, and Michelle.

“Margaret does not drive. Hence, when Max was diagnosed with cancer, about a year later, it was Michelle who drove him to all of his appointments, including visits to specialists and chemotherapy.”

Throughout several years of treatment, Michelle continued to be an amazing support to Max and Margaret.

“She drove hundreds of kilometres during Max’s illness to ensure he received all the medical care possible,” continues the nomination.

“When Max was in hospital on several occasions, Michelle regularly took Margaret to visit him. In his last weeks of life, which Max was able to spend at home, Michelle continued to be a tower of strength to the family. She visited daily and successfully supported Margaret and Max to ensure the last days of Max’s life were as comfortable as possible.

“Michelle Bourke certainly is an unsung local hero.”

Do you know someone who goes out of their way to make life better in our community?

It could be a friend, neighbour, colleague, committee member or co-worker — we want to hear from you!

To nominate a person you deem worthy for our Volunteer of the Month, send us their contact information along with details of their good deed, and they will be in the running to be rewarded with a $100 gift voucher from Ashcroft’s IGA. Write to us at Suite 3, 241 Lords Place, Orange NSW 2800, email us at reception@oclife.com.au with the subject line “Volunteer of the Month”, or drop your nomination into our o ce.

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For more information on studying medicine in Dubbo visit sydney.edu.au/ medicine-health/ dubbo

Suzie is currently a first-year student in the University of Sydney’s Doctor of Medicine program in Dubbo. She will complete the entire four-year postgraduate degree in Dubbo with clinical training centered on the newly redeveloped Dubbo Hospital.

I love that I’ll be learning in a smaller cohort and the opportunity to develop relationships with teaching and clinical staff that, hopefully I will be working with one day as a doctor.”

Becoming a doctor was never a lifelong dream for Suzie Hill, but with two children who are now adults and have left home, she began looking at the next stage of life.

Suzie is currently a first-year student in the University of Sydney’s Doctor of Medicine program in Dubbo. She will complete the entire fouryear postgraduate degree in Dubbo with clinical training centered on the newly redeveloped Dubbo Hospital.

Suzie has been practicing as a Radiographer for over 15 years. Like many regional and rural residents, she is acutely aware of the impact the shortage of doctors and specialists has on our communities. She has been inspired by the care and support her son received by a specialist and the efforts he went to in bringing treatment closer to home as well as some gentle encouragement from Radiologists she has worked with over the years.

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