A journey of compassion and dedication
Dr Dasgupta’s journey from Bangladesh to Australia highlights his passion for healthcare, research, and the power of volunteering.
Dr Pritam Dasgupta's journey from Bangladesh to Australia is a testament to his unwavering dedication to healthcare, research and community service. Originally from Bangladesh, Dr Dasgupta pursued his medical studies in his home country before moving to Australia in 2019 to further his education with a Master's Degree in Public Health (Research) at Macquarie University. He graduated in 2022, a milestone made possible by a scholarship that alleviated his financial burdens and allowed him to focus on his studies and volunteer work.
As an international student, Dr Dasgupta eagerly joined the volunteer program at Macquarie University Hospital. Starting at the welcome desk, he dedicated four hours a week for a year, later transitioning to the wards where he assisted patients and hospital staff. This experience was invaluable, providing him with a deeper understanding of the healthcare system and immense personal satisfaction from helping others.
Currently, Dr Dasgupta works as a Junior Medical Officer at Calvary Health Care in Wagga Wagga, yet he continues to commute back to Macquarie to stay connected with the community that helped shape his journey. While his early research focused on infectious diseases such as COVID-19, his academic curiosity has since expanded now into space medicine. “I see space medicine as the intersection of clinical care, innovation, and exploration – and I want to be part of that frontier,” he says. Despite his demanding career, he remains a strong advocate for volunteering, emphasising its flexibility and the profound mental satisfaction it brings.
"Volunteering is flexible and you can help people. The mental satisfaction of helping others, especially if you are a student, becomes even more rewarding," he says. Dr Dasgupta is deeply grateful for the scholarship that enabled him to seize numerous opportunities. He believes that community service not only enriches personal growth but also sharpens empathy – a vital skill for any doctor, on Earth or beyond.
His time at MQ Health has been particularly rewarding, allowing him to contribute to patient-centred care while fostering personal growth. He fondly recalls the strong sense of community and teamwork among the volunteers and staff, particularly the guidance and support from individuals like Jane Goodwin-Moore. This supportive environment made him feel valued and inspired every day.
Dr Dasgupta's journey underscores the importance of kindness and compassion in healthcare. He encourages others to volunteer, highlighting the immense personal and professional rewards it offers. "Scholarships helped me to help others. Volunteering at MQ Health has been an immensely rewarding experience, enabling me to contribute to patient-centred care while also fostering personal growth," he reflects.
Dr Dasgupta's story is a powerful reminder of the impact of education, community service, and the enduring human spirit. His dedication to helping others and his passion for healthcare and research continue to inspire those around him.
Find out more about volunteering at the hospital.