Amran Dhillon

Can you tell us about your time at Deakin? Is there anything you especially remember?
As the second group to go through the new medical school, I recall the diversity of people I had the opportunity to meet as many students came from interstate. It was an opportunity to engage and network with people from all walks of life.

What has been your journey since finishing your course? Briefly outline your career path prior to your current role.
I graduated in 2012. I then completed my internship and residency years through the Northern Hospital in Victoria. Shortly after I commenced training to be a rural GP and completed my advanced rural training in anaesthetics.

Recently I was appointed as a fellow of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. As a rural GP/GP Anaesthetist, I am still credentialled in Ballan and Kilmore, Victoria. I have since embarked on another incredible, challenging journey. I am now completing my second fellowship, training to become a specialist anaesthetist.

What has been the biggest influence on your career?
The biggest influence on my career has been my other engagements outside of medicine. Prior to studying medicine, I had the opportunity to be a national youth representative for headspace, Australia where I was involved in multiple advocacy roles, projects and media campaigns for youth mental health. It also led to being youth co-convenor at the inaugural youth mental health conference in Australia in 2010 where I shared the welcome address with then health minister Hon. Nicola Roxon.

I am a member of the Registrar Committee for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine and have been involved in multiple advocacy roles to improve the training experience for rural GP trainees. I am also the representative for my college at the AMA Council for Doctors in Training and through this channel I have been able to continue to advocate for improved conditions for rural doctors in training.

These experiences I have had on leadership committees and advocating for my own peers has had the biggest impact on where I want to be in my career. It has also been the driving force for completion of my rural and remote medicine fellowship and my journey to complete my second fellowship in anaesthetics.

Have you always wanted to pursue the kind of career you have embarked on? If so, when and how did you realise?
My journey took many turns. I learnt that adversity does not necessarily lead to failure. On the contrary, it has created multiple opportunities and increased my success over the years. I realised by engaging and participating in extracurricular activities that I had developed a passion for leadership and advocacy.

What advice would you give graduates wanting to pursue a similar profession?
My advice is general and that is dare to be different. Do not get fixed down one road. Keep an open mind. Do not be scared to change. The Deakin difference, as they say, is true in so many ways. Create your own path.

What do you believe Deakin University has shown you/given you as a person
Anything is possible if you put your mind to it. No matter where you came from you can achieve.

What are your passions outside your work?
I have multiple passions outside of work and my new goal in life is to incorporate these passions into my career. I love playing tennis and I aim to get my tennis coaching license this year. I love music and hip-hop dancing. I also love running and keeping fit at the gym. When I don't have exam study I try to travel as much as I can to explore the world and people.

How would someone describe you?
People commonly call me the 'mover and shaker'. I am passionate, energetic and where others would give up, I will continue to advocate for the underdog.

Is there any advice you would give to a person who is starting out in your career?
Medicine is extremely challenging. Be kind to yourself and others around you no matter how tough things get. Eventually you will find your path.

What is something that amazes you?
People who step outside the zone to help others and challenge what is incorrect. Nelson Mandela is one of my idols for this reason.

Is there anything else you'd like to add we haven't covered?
My future goals are to continue to advocate for junior doctors and I want to improve the health literacy of the nation through a new creative platform I have planned for 2020.