Four Queensland medical students awarded scholarships

Rheannon Griffin, Alexandra Green and Noah Steel are the 2025 AMA Queensland Foundation Medical Student Scholarships recipients.

A fourth student, Ann Vincent was awarded an AMA Queensland Foundation scholarship supported by the Indian Medical Association Queensland (IMAQ) under the Foundation’s Sponsor one Student (SoS) Program.

AMA Queensland Foundation Chair Dr Dilip Dhupelia said financial support can be important while studying medicine, with rigorous workloads and placements required.

“Without financial support, some medical students experience hardship significant enough to threaten their ability to complete their studies, and this is a need the Foundation seeks to fill with our scholarship program," Dr Dhupelia said.

“This year we were again overwhelmed with applications from deserving medical students, and it was an incredibly difficult task to narrow down our support to just four recipients.

“With rising living costs, many medical students are doing it tougher than ever, and we are grateful to be able to help even a handful of individuals continue their journey.”

Dr Dhupelia said the four recipients are outstanding examples of bright minds persevering under difficult circumstances.

“It is an honour to award the scholarships to these four individuals who have continued through significant personal, financial and medical hurdles,” he said. 

“Their demonstrated passion for medicine and resilience will no doubt have a wonderful flow-on effect for the Queensland communities they eventually go on to serve. 

“The scholarships were made possible thanks to the generosity of AMA Queensland Foundation donors during our annual End of Financial Year Scholarship appeal.  

“I want to thank every person who donated in 2024 – your support has made a meaningful impact on these recipients.”

There are many more medical students like Rheannon, Alexandra, Noah, and Ann, who without the support of the scholarship, may not finish their studies. 

Today, AMA Queensland Foundation will launch its annual End of Financial Year (EOFY) tax appeal, raising funds to support next year’s scholarship recipients reach their dreams of becoming doctors and continuing the legacy of Doctors Doing Good. 

“The Foundation is hoping to offer three or more Medical Student Scholarships in 2026 with your support. We are seeking donations through this year’s appeal,” Dr Dhupelia said.

The donations received via the 2025 EOFY Tax Appeal will be exclusively directed to the Foundation Medical Student Scholarships program. Every dollar that you donate will assist a medical student in a time of need. 

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

Contact the AMA Queensland Media Team

Rheannon’s story:

Currently in her final year of medicine at James Cook University (JCU) in Townsville, Rheannon is a young mother with two young children, who has been juggling a tight budget while studying. 

Recently, Rheannon’s financial strain increased due to her eldest daughter’s recent medical diagnosis and the associated cost of care. On top of this, her upcoming 10-week rural placement will require her to temporarily relocate. The scholarship will make a huge difference in reducing Rheannon’s financial stress, also helping to cover travel, accommodation and childcare costs during her placement.

“The support will enable me to complete my final year of medicine more comfortably, ensuring I can focus on my education and clinical responsibilities without added financial stress,” Rheannon said.

Rheannon is passionate about pursuing a rural generalist pathway, with a sub-specialty in obstetrics. “I am driven by a desire to provide equitable care and make a meaningful impact on families like my own.

Alexandra’s story:

Alexandra developed a passion for rural healthcare while working as a former rural paramedic, inspiring her decision to pursue medicine. Now in her fifth year at James Cook University (JCU), she is eager to utilise her first-hand experience to make a difference in rural medicine.

“Living and working in a small town showed me the profound impact that a dedicated practitioner can have, not only in delivering medical care but also in advocating for community needs,” Alexandra said.

Due to Alexandra’s previous degree, she is ineligible for Austudy, and as a full-time student with extensive placement hours, has limited opportunities to work.

“This scholarship will allow me to focus entirely on my studies and clinical placements and fulfill my goal of becoming a dedicated rural medical practitioner in the North Queensland community,” she said.

Noah’s story: 

Noah is currently in his third year in The University of Queensland Rural Medical Program in Bundaberg, part of the first cohort of students in the Wide Bay region. 

“My goal is to serve in regional and rural areas where healthcare professionals are often in short supply, ensuring that all individuals have access to the quality care they deserve,” Noah said. 

Until now, Noah has been supported financially through a program for regional medical students. However, this support will be discontinued next month, leaving a considerable shortfall in basic living costs, including rent – a shortfall that is difficult to make up given the demands of full-time medical studies. 

“The funds will help ensure that I can maintain stable housing and continue to meet the rigorous requirements of my medical education, ultimately allowing me to complete my studies and contribute to the healthcare needs of regional Queensland,” he said.

Ann’s story:

At the age of five, Ann developed tuberculosis, spending two years in hospitals with complications such as meningitis and a slim chance of survival. This continues to create ongoing respiratory health challenges and debilitating migraines which require specialist neurology. Despite these health challenges, Ann remained committed to pursuing a career in medicine. 

Just two months before she was set to commence her first year, she and her mother were forced to navigate a challenging home situation, which left them without any financial security.

Ann juggled multiple jobs throughout university to support herself while managing the psychological impacts of her experience. These pressures contributed to a major setback in her second year of medicine, which had implications that are now impacting her final year. As a result, her Centrelink support, which has been critical throughout her clinical years, is set to be discontinued.  

“This scholarship will be life changing, allowing me to independently cover essential living costs and enable me to afford my medications, and other medical expenses. It will mean I can fully focus on my studies and placement during my final year, ultimately allowing me to work towards a future where I can provide for my family and give back to my community,” Ann said.

Background

• AMA Queensland Foundation was established in 2,000 as the charitable arm of AMA Queensland, with a mission to improve medical conditions in areas of need.
• Part of this is to financially support disadvantaged students to undertake medical training.
• In addition to its annual scholarships program, the AMA Queensland Foundation offers GPs and GP Registrars training and research bursaries.
• In 2024, three JCU students and one Griffith University student were awarded the scholarships.

Contact the AMA Queensland Media Team