University Medallist Aaisha Ferkh

Aaisha Ferkh

Aaisha Ferkh was awarded a University Medal when she graduated at the University of Western Sydney's Summer ceremonies with a Bachelor of Medicine/ Bachelor of Surgery (Honours) degree.

Aaisha says it has been her dream to become a doctor since early high school.

“I have always been passionate about the subject of medicine, as well as the prospect of a self-gratifying career of helping others,” she says.

Born and bred in western Sydney, Aaisha felt that it was important to study medicine at UWS where she would be able to give back to her local community.

“The best part of my degree was my first clinical rotation. It was in the middle of the third year and I was on the Gastroenterology team at Blacktown Hospital. It was the first time I was able to place myself in the shoes of a real doctor and feel like I was contributing to the wellbeing of patients.”

As an Honours project, Aaisha investigated the relationship between movement of sections of the heart’s main coronary arteries and the location of lesions in future heart attacks. It is hoped that her research will pave the way for future therapies that may prevent acute coronary syndromes. The Honours project is also a step toward Aaisha’s ultimate goal of becoming a Cardiologist.

In 2013, Aaisha will be commencing an internship at Westmead Hospital.