In this episode of White Coat Wednesday, host John Lim, a fourth-year medical student at The University of Queensland-Ochsner Clinical School, interviews Nathan Au-Yeung, a fellow fourth-year student and president of the UQ-Ochsner Internal Medicine Interest Group. Nathan shares insights into his role, his journey in medical school, and his passion for internal medicine.
Nathan, who grew up in California and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California-San Diego, was inspired to lead the Internal Medicine Interest Group after gaining early clinical experience in Brisbane. He enjoyed the breadth and diversity of internal medicine, where every day brings new learning opportunities. Guided by mentors and his affinity for the specialty, Nathan decided to pursue internal medicine.
Balancing academics and leadership, Nathan emphasizes the importance of teamwork, crediting his supportive board for helping manage the group's activities. Planning events in advance and collaborating with residents and attending physicians are key strategies that enable Nathan to effectively juggle his responsibilities.
The IM interest group organizes a mix of professional and social activities, including networking events with residents, ice-breakers for new students, workshops, and panels with graduates and internal medicine physicians. These events are designed not only for those interested in internal medicine but also for students exploring other specialties, offering broad insights into medical practice and the residency application process.
Nathan encourages all students to participate in interest group events, highlighting that the skills and knowledge gained are valuable across various specialties. He finds fulfilment in connecting with peers and guiding others through tutoring sessions and shared experiences, especially during stressful times like exam preparations.
Reflecting on his role, Nathan reveals that his involvement has solidified his commitment to internal medicine and sparked an interest in teaching, which he hopes to pursue as a future physician. The diverse and intellectually stimulating nature of internal medicine, combined with the supportive community he has encountered, has reinforced his desire to continue learning and growing within this field.
Nathan concludes by expressing his gratitude for the opportunities the IMIG has provided, both in personal and professional development, and looks forward to a future filled with lifelong learning in internal medicine.
