Yapug opens the way for a young doctor in the making

Since then, he has held numerous roles across a variety of industries. Finding his way to community services, Scott began to dream of studying medicine to help his community and started tertiary education.

Discovering Yapug, a pathway program designed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people gain skills for entry into undergraduate degrees, Scott knew this was his chance to become a doctor.

“After reading about the Yapug program, I felt it was a perfect fit for me and so I decided to apply.”

“During my studies in the Yapug program, I have learnt and continue to learn all the skills I will need to successfully move into my undergraduate degree; not only academic skills but also how to navigate the university as a whole,” he said.

Through the Yapug program and Wollotuka Institute, Scott has found a community that not only develops academic skills, but also provides opportunities and workshops to help balance life and take a step back when things get challenging.

Speaking of his goals for the future, Scott sees Yapug as the first step on his journey to becoming a doctor through the Joint Medical Program offered at the University of Newcastle.

Working as a doctor isn't just a pipe dream for Scott, but also a way to role model to his two young children that with the right motivation, they can achieve anything.

“Becoming a doctor is not just my dream, but a way to further help my community by being able to provide great healthcare. It’s also a way to show my two boys that they can achieve anything in life and to teach them about the importance of education,” he said.

Scott Burgess will graduate in a ceremony on Wednesday 13 December at 2pm.