USC will hold a special celebration on Friday 4 December to honour the first students to complete the university’s Bachelor of Medical Science degree as part of their journey to becoming doctors.

The event will farewell more than 20 Bachelor of Medical Science students who are going on to postgraduate Medicine programs, with the majority opting for direct entry into Griffith University’s Doctor of Medicine program at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH).

USC’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett will welcome about 50 guests, including students, families, school staff, USC’s Medical Science academics, and staff from Griffith University and SCUH, to the celebration.

Among the guests will be USC’s Head of School of Health and Behavioural Science Professor John Lowe, who has led the Medical Science degree since it began, and Griffith University’s Deputy Head of School of Medicine Associate Professor Jen Williams.

Professor Bartlett said she was looking forward to congratulating the degree pioneers on their dedication and hard work over the past three years.

“They have been an extremely close group and have worked together to progress through various challenges, not the least of which was the physical distancing required due to COVID-19,” she said.

“Their final year has certainly been disrupted by the pandemic. But their determination, resilience and passion show that they are well and truly ready to enter the next stage of their journey to becoming doctors.”

Professor Bartlett said the cohort’s success in completing the degree was significant for the entire Sunshine Coast, with the university and its industry partners working together to help strengthen the region’s future health workforce.

“Our community will benefit immeasurably through having graduates such as these, trained right here on the Sunshine Coast, to provide care and expertise to our growing region,” she said.

“We are excited to be able to provide our students a direct pathway to study medicine on the Sunshine Coast through our partnership with Griffith University and the Sunshine Coast Health Institute at SCUH.

“With our investment in this world-class facility dedicated to education, training and research on our doorstep, we look forward to contributing more new and upcoming doctors to the region each year through Griffith’s Doctor of Medicine program.”