Nazli Calik didn’t always know she wanted to be a doctor. She grew up within Melbourne’s Turkish diaspora, no one else in her family been to university, and so her exposure to role models in the medical profession was slim.

However, it was her interest in drawing that first sparked her fascination with the human body, and ultimately led to pursuing a medical career.

“My father worked as a cleaner in a mall, and he’d bring home discarded National Geographic magazines and encyclopedias. There were all these amazing images, and I’d try and draw them. Later, I developed an interest in biology and started drawing anatomy,” she says.

Nazli also enjoyed helping others, and was drawn to a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne to explore her interest in health.

She became deeply fascinated by subjects like pathology, physiology, pharmacology and human anatomy, and became captivated by the intricate design of the human body. She soon began exploring different pathways and discovered that some of her friends had successfully gained entry into medicine through GAMSAT, the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test.

”I was encouraged that I could get into medicine with my undergraduate degree, but also knew how competitive it was, so applied for a range of courses,” she says.

Nazli was accepted into both dentistry and optometry in Melbourne, but her heart was set on medicine, so she accepted a place within the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at Macquarie University.

“You only live one life – you have to do something you’re passionate about,” she says.

Moving from Melbourne was a significant change. “My dad was hesitant about me going on my own because we didn’t know anyone in Sydney, but he knew studying medicine was my dream and encouraged me,” she says.

The decision would come at great financial cost, however. As a full fee-paying (FFP) student, her tuition significantly exceeded the HELP loan limit, which meant she needed to pay tens of thousands of dollars up front every semester.

She also had to rent in Sydney; so even with Centrelink support she had to rely on her savings, help from generous aunties and grandparents, and strict budgeting to get by. It became harder and harder to make ends meet and focus on her studies.

”I applied for a scholarship in my first year because I was struggling immensely after moving to Sydney. I was experiencing severe financial anxiety and panic attacks due to the stress and constant worry about how I’d afford tuition, rent and living expenses over the next four years. It became overwhelming, affecting my sleep, appetite and academic performance,” she recalls.

”A lot of the med students were financially well-off, with families who could support them, so I couldn’t really relate to my peers. There were moments when I regretted choosing a FFP course”.

Receiving the Medical Degree Scholarship brought her, and her family, an enormous sense of relief.

“I called my dad immediately,” she remembers. “My parents were so happy. It eased the financial burden on them significantly, particularly my father who worked tirelessly as a bricklayer to help cover my university fees, and who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes around the time I started medical school. I felt such guilt about adding to his financial burdens”.

Nazli’s determination to alleviate the cost of her education paid off, and the scholarship gave her a renewed sense of calm and focus.

”My mental and physical wellbeing improved. The scholarship has provided crucial support throughout my journey, giving me the motivation to push myself further and excel in my academic work, making it possible for me to be where I am today.”

Currently in her fourth and final year, Nazli is looking forward to more practical experience through upcoming placements in acute critical care, the emergency room and intensive care units (ICU).

“The teaching staff at Macquarie have been approachable and full of medical knowledge to help guide and teach us, and the campus has modern, well-equipped facilities that provide an exceptional environment for learning,” she says.

One of the most rewarding placements she has done, however, was with a GP close to her home in Melbourne, who gave Nazli her own room and allowed her to treat Turkish patients. This experience was a real turning point for Nazli, cementing her plans following graduation.

“There’s a real demand for Turkish-speaking doctors – some patients have to bring a relative to translate, and many Turkish women prefer a female doctor but struggle to find one who speaks their language,” Nazli explains.

“The Turkish community takes great pride in knowing I’m pursuing medicine as female doctors in my community are still relatively uncommon.”

With her family and friends in Melbourne, Nazli is keen to return to her home city and serve her community, with hopes to begin her internship as a junior doctor near her home.

“I’d like to give back by serving as a physician in my local area and engaging in community work, such as visiting aged care homes and caring for those I grew up with.”

Returning to Melbourne, a city rich in art and culture, Nazli is also excited to reignite her passion for creating art, with the hope of eventually hosting an exhibition. She also aspires to be a source of inspiration for those who, like her, come from challenging social backgrounds.

“Many individuals in my community have the potential to pursue higher education and achieve great things but are held back by financial constraints, family difficulties or self-doubt. I want to show them that regardless of their circumstances they can accomplish anything they set their minds to,” she says.

“This scholarship has had a profound impact on my life but also on my family's. It has been instrumental in supporting me, as a student from a diverse background, to pursue a medical degree. By contributing to scholarship programs, donors become part of something truly meaningful.

“I hope that by sharing my story they can witness firsthand how their generosity helps shape future professionals and creates a lasting positive impact on both the community and the nation.”