From Medicine to Miss World
Currently working in the trauma ward at the Prince Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, Moktika Tandon swaps her stethoscope for a ball-gown in her spare time. She was a state finalist in Miss Universe Australia in 2018, and then a national finalist in last year’s Miss World Australia.
Moktika was motivated to enter Miss World to challenge stereotypes and become a role model for young women.
“Don’t let society make you choose between brains and beauty. Everyone can be both,” she said.
Born in India, Moktika and her family migrated to Australia when she was two. Completing her medical degree at the University of Adelaide in 2016, Moktika then moved to Victoria where she began working at the Prince Alfred Hospital, and more recently as a team doctor with Hawthorn's VFL Women's team and this year for Coburg in the men's competition, although she maintains her loyalty to Port Power.
Moktika’s next career goal is to make a difference to women's health in India. Fluent in Hindi, she would love the opportunity to work in rural India in women’s health, and she is determined to get there.
“Don’t let anyone ever tell you, you can’t do something. Don’t let anyone say you are not good enough. We are all capable of achieving great things if we put our minds to it,” she said.
Alumni in Focus
What are your hobbies?
Travel (although COVID has thrown a spanner in the works in 2020), painting, I have been making artwork using alcohol ink, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Favourite place to eat in Adelaide?
I am a HUGE sweet tooth; a couple of my favourites are Shibui Dessert Bar and Eggless Dessert Café.
If I could go back to my University days I would…
Make the absolute most of it like I did. I loved the six years I spent at university and sometimes wish I could go back.
Most prized possession?
I believe our most prized possessions are our beliefs and morals.
Something that makes you smile?
Puppies. I live in an apartment in Melbourne and therefore walk my friend’s dog frequently. The first thing I do when I move into a house will be to get a puppy.
Something you are grateful for?
My family and friends. I am grateful to be brought up in a country as amazing as Australia and being given the opportunities that I have had.
If I could pursue a different career I would…
Love to be an artist and an actor.
The most valuable lesson I have learned?
There is no such thing as a loss. Everything happens for a reason. If something doesn’t go your way, chin up and try again or try something different. It wasn’t a loss, it was a lesson to learn.
I cannot get through the day without…
Coffee! Working, at times, 12 consecutive days and 15 hour shifts, would not be possible without a strong latte.
Three words your closest friends would use to describe you?
Ambitious, Hardworking, Caring
Your definition of success?
Doing something that makes you happy for the rest of your life while being surrounded my people who love you.
My mother taught me…
I am so thankful for my mum for teaching me so much. She taught me how to work hard and be passionate about what I do.
2020 is the year I will…
Learn to be grateful for what I have and focus on what makes me happy. And along the way, stay as positive as I can and look forward to eventually living in a COVID safe Australia.
How I relax?
I love to paint and it also helps me to relax.
When I get home the first thing I do is…
Shower and then put on some comfy PJs and eat something.
The biggest risk I have taken?
Moving to Melbourne on my own last year for my career and entering the Miss World Australia competition in 2019, knowing that I would be putting myself out there to be judged by everyone I knew.