Student profile | Lana Hughes

What are you studying and why have you chosen this field to study in?
I'm in my third year of studying the MBChB or Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. I have wanted to do medicine since I was a child. Initially it was my family who pushed the idea but later the idea of pursuing a career in health became my own dream. In high school whenever I thought about what job I wanted to have in the future the most important thing to me was finding a job where I could help people. In my first year of tertiary study I completed the Certificate in Health Sciences. The certificate taught me a lot about the inequalities that currently exist for Pacific people in health. This knowledge drove me to pursue medicine with more determination because I hope to be part of a healthcare system that addresses and reduces disparities.

You are a standout student. What's your secret to success?
I don't really feel like a stand-out student! I don't know that there is a secret. I know that I wouldn't be in medicine without the love and support of my family. I also want to stress the fact that I wasn't particularly gifted in the sciences at school but I persevered with the study and once I got to university I began to see more positive results. I think that if I were to give any advice it would be to not give up when it comes to pursuing a career. Some people doubted that I would get into medicine, I even doubted it myself, but it was my dream so I kept on trying and eventually that faith and hard work paid off. I would also recommend asking for advice or help when you need it and not trying to face every hardship or test on your own.

How does culture impact on your studies?
I'm proud of the fact that I come from a mixed cultural background. My main experience of Cook Island culture has been through my grandmother. It is difficult to find the words to adequately convey what culture is or what its impact on my life and studies has been but she has brought me up to embrace the importance of family, community and faith. Something that I believe is true of all Pacific cultures and a source of great strength.

How will this degree help you achieve your goals in terms of the Pacific community?
I hope to use the skills and knowledge I gain through my medical training to help all of my patients and indirectly their families and communities. I would love an opportunity to work in the Cook Islands for part of my training and professional career. I also hope to find a position where I feel that I am giving back to Pacific communities living in New Zealand.

Have you faced many obstacles/challenges relating to studying in your chosen area?
One of the obstacles I faced was that I hadn't taken all of the right subjects at a high school level. I also found that initially my own self-doubt was a big obstacle because I didn't think that I was clever enough to attempt to get into medicine and I had heard how difficult it was.

How have you overcome these challenges?
I applied for the Certificate in Health Sciences because I hadn't taken physics at high school and my chemistry was terrible. The certificate taught me the skills I needed to get through the first year of my degree and gave me University Entrance. I still have doubts but my family is a huge source of strength for me and they give me a lot of encouragement when I find studying hard.

How have you balanced the workload of university and demands of your personal life? i.e. Church, family…
Finding the right balance is a struggle and I'm still trying to find it! I think it's very important to have life outside of study. However, at the same time setting aside time to study is vital. I think that getting your family on-board is really important. Let them know when you have upcoming tests or if you need extra time to study one week. Keep them informed. Study timetables can be useful but it's important to stick to them. The first year of the degree is arguably the most challenging so for that year it is important not to over commit yourself. I love playing soccer but I gave it up for my first year of university because I thought it was important to focus on my study.

What would be your advice to first year students starting their Bachelor of Medicine?
My advice would be to not give up. It's an awesome degree and you get an amazing career at the end of it. Make sure you're organised from the beginning. If you need help with study investigate where you can find help. Stay informed. Make use of the resources that are there for you whether that means attending tutorials or making use of a study space. Make sure you have a life outside of medical school and give yourself some time to relax when your exams or tests are over.

What do you hope to have achieved by 2015?
I hope to have finished my degree and be working as a house officer in the community. I also hope that by then I have picked a specialty.

Page last updated: 12 September 2011