Rhodes Scholar to tackle global health issues

The 2012 Rhodes Scholar for South Australia, University of Adelaide student Alyssa Fitzpatrick.
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Wednesday, 10 October 2012

University of Adelaide Medicine student Alyssa Fitzpatrick has been named the 2013 Rhodes Scholar for South Australia.

Alyssa Fitzpatrick is the University's 106th Rhodes Scholar. She will use the scholarship to study for a Masters of Global Health Science at the University of Oxford next year.

One of the world's most prestigious scholarships, the Rhodes perpetuates the commitment to learning, research and humanity of businessman and philanthropist Cecil Rhodes, who died in 1902, leaving his estate to fund the scholarship.

Scholars are chosen based on their academic achievements as well as community work, leadership and sporting activities.

Miss Fitzpatrick is currently completing a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery.

"Alyssa continues a long tradition of Rhodes Scholars from the University of Adelaide. I have no doubt that she will use this unique opportunity to build on a foundation of outstanding academic success and a firm commitment to make a positive difference to the global community through health sciences," said the University's Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Warren Bebbington.

"We are very proud of Alyssa who has already accomplished a great deal in her undergraduate studies, through community service and artistic pursuits. We look forward to following her progress at Oxford."

Miss Fitzpatrick aims to pursue a career in reproductive health care, with a focus on addressing the inequities in access to quality services for women.

"I aspire to undertake a Masters of Global Health Science at the University of Oxford, with a view to ongoing doctoral work in maternal and child health," said Miss Fitzpatrick.

"Upon my return to Australia, I hope to train in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and to undertake some of this training in a rural area in Australia, providing greatly needed services and gaining an appreciation of the unique challenges faced by Indigenous Australians in achieving health equality.

"Maternal and child health remains a critical area globally and the personal focus of my passion. Studying in Oxford will enable me to transform my passion into achievable goals," she said.

Since 1904, 113 Rhodes Scholarships have been awarded in South Australia with 106 recipients from the University of Adelaide.

Past University of Adelaide Rhodes Scholars include Nobel Prize Winner Sir Howard Florey and Former Chief Justice the Hon. John Doyle AC QC.

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