Kelly has come a long way since receiving grant and scholarship funding from CEF in 2014 and 2015. From the tiny locality of Willala, near Gunnedah, NSW, she became the first member of her family to attend university. Having completed her studies in Medicine in 2019, she now has dreams to returning to a regional area as a cardiologist.
Local foundation:
Country Education Foundation of Gunnedah
Institution:
Course:
Bachelor of Medicine / Doctor of Medicine
Tell us what you are up to now.
I am completing my Basic Physician's Training as a part of the Royal North Shore Health Network.
This involves working as a medical registrar at Royal North Shore and Gosford Hospitals, and preparing for my clinical examinations in June 2024.
Tell us a little about your background?
I attended primary school at Boggabri Public School. We lived on a farm at Willala (population 55 people) which is located approximately 30 minutes outside of Boggabri. My family moved to a smaller property in Gunnedah in 2007 so that I could attend St Mary's High School in Gunnedah.
After completing my HSC in 2012 at St Mary's High School where I achieved dux, I took a gap year where I worked at Karen Carter Chemist in Gunnedah to save money for university.
From 2014, I commenced my Bachelor of Medicine / Doctor of Medicine at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). This was a rural bonded place which is given to students from a regional or rural area who have the intention of returning to the country to work, and therefore I have an obligation to return to a regional or rural area for a period of time of 'return of service'.
In addition to the CEF foundation funds I received, I was also a RAMUS scholar – a scholarship given to students in financial need from a rural area with the intention of returning to work in a rural or regional area.
During my university degree, I studied for 3 years in Sydney and 3 years at the UNSW rural campus at Coffs Harbour Base Hospital.
I graduated from UNSW with a Bachelor of Medicine / Doctor of Medicine with distinction in 2019.
Dad has had various jobs over the years, most recently as a farm machinery salesman. Mum has also had various jobs over the years, most recently as a secretary in Gunnedah for a solicitors. My younger sister is currently working in Gunnedah at the conservatorium of music and is an active member of the local community.
I am the first in my immediate family to attend university.
What do you love about your field of study?
I am very grateful to work as a doctor. I enjoy being challenged every day, working with patients and other staff members to solve problems. I enjoy the process of ongoing learning and the opportunity for further study, and I am grateful that my job allows me to meet interesting people from all walks of life. I feel very privileged that patients put their trust in me to take care of them and their family members.
I am grateful that my job allows me to meet interesting people from all walks of life. I feel very privileged that patients put their trust in me to take care of them and their family members.
– CEF alumnus Kelly Easey
How have the funds and/or scholarship from CEF helped you?
I am very grateful for the CEF scholarship which contributed towards making attending university possible. The funds contributed towards the cost of living and accommodation after moving away from home, allowing me to focus on my study.
I also appreciated the show of support towards furthering my education.
What has been your proudest moment to date in your education journey?
Attending the graduation ceremony at Coffs Harbour Clinical School where I received the Cardiology award, with my family present.
I am very grateful for the CEF scholarship which contributed towards making attending university possible. The funds contributed towards the cost of living and accommodation after moving away from home, allowing me to focus on my study.
– CEF alumnus Kelly Easey
What issues or obstacles have you faced? What has been the biggest challenge for you in your education journey?
As the first in my family to attend university and enter the medical profession, it was a challenge to navigate the different systems.
I have met lots of helpful and generous people along the way who have supported me throughout this learning process.
How important is it to you to stay connected with the CEF family?
I am grateful for the Country Education Foundation Gunnedah's support in my further education, and also grateful to be able to share my story and be involved with the foundation once again.
The Country Education Foundation plays an important role in the local community. Financial support is only one aspect of the CEF scholarship. Equally as important is the gesture of support and encouragement to local young people to pursue higher education.
What is one piece of advice that you would give to any incoming students from rural and regional areas?
Just back yourself and give it a go, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?
My dream is to complete cardiology advanced training, and then return to work as a cardiologist in a regional area.
