University Medallist Dr Marcus Handmer

Marcus Handmer

Dr Marcus Handmer was awarded a University Medal when he graduated at the University of Western Sydney's Summer ceremonies with a Bachelor of Medicine/ Bachelor of Surgery (Honours) degree.

During high school, Marcus says he was originally interested in pursuing a career in business. But his career path took a moral turn when he was offered a prestigious scholarship.

“The fine print required students to undergo work experience placements with a cigarette company. This didn’t sit right with me, and I thought if I was going to decline the scholarship for this reason, it was logical to extend that principle to a career path,” says Marcus.

Marcus chose to enrol in the medical program offered at UWS, as he perceived it to be “a real win-win situation for the local community.”

“UWS offers a five-year undergraduate medical program with a strong emphasis on clinical exposure and practical skills. Located in a region with stretched resources and socio-economic disadvantage, UWS medicine integrates students as useful components of the healthcare team right from week one.”

Marcus says the high points of his degree included travelling to the United States for a two month surgical service placement at Yale, and undertaking important research on ‘superbug’ blood stream infections as part of the Honours program at UWS.

In 2013, Marcus will begin an internship as a junior doctor at Gosford Hospital, and is keen to pursue further training to become a surgeon. “I was born at Gosford Hospital, lived at Daleys Point, and went to Pretty Beach Public School, so I’m particularly thrilled to be returning to the area.”