From Karachi to Rockhampton: Hadi's Inspiring Journey to Medical Success
From South Asia to metropolitan and regional Australia, Muhammad Abdul Hadi’s pathway to medicine has been nothing short of unique – and inspiring.
The recently graduated Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) student has just completed the initial three years of his MD program, part of the pioneer cohort of Central Queensland University and The University of Queensland’s Regional Medical Pathway program.
Graduating with Distinction and delivering the graduate representative speech to over three hundred graduands at CQUniversity’s Rockhampton graduation ceremony last week (Thursday 5 December), was a realised dream for Hadi, marking what the passionate and ambitious graduate describes as just one finishing line among many more to come.
“It’s a very humbling feeling to have finished this first degree and to now be crossing that doorstep where we are heading into the Doctor of Medicine – it’s something that has arguably been the biggest dream of all of our lives,” Hadi said.
“Reaching this point has felt like the pinnacle because it has taken so much hard work to get here, but when I look to the vast array of opportunities ahead of me in medicine, I realise this is just one finish line ahead of many other finish lines that I’ll have to look forward to in the future."
Growing up in Karachi, Pakistan, Hadi has seen firsthand the realities of healthcare in a third world country, witnessing the barriers that many faced to access adequate care in his community. Having then moved to Sydney, New South Wales with his family around the age of eight, and then onto Rockhampton, Central Queensland for his high school years at Emmaus College, it was here where Hadi then also noted the disparities between healthcare in not only a third and first world setting, but also between metropolitan and regional Australia.
“Seeing the difference between these areas gave me a perspective that I don’t think many people have, going from third world to first world, and then going from one of the biggest cities in Australia to a regional area,” Hadi said.
“Rockhampton is a beautiful city, but one that has its own challenges with healthcare shortages, so being able to live through those impacts as a consumer has given me the perspective where I felt indebted to the community that has really given me so much effort to bringing me to this point – and I feel grateful that I am able to hopefully one day be a part of the solution.
“And from my lived experience in Pakistan, seeing the impact that financial barriers can have on access to healthcare and medical resources instilled a sense and passion for social justice within me at a young age; I feel passionately to speak up for the people I live alongside with the inequalities they have to face, and I believe that medicine offers a powerful platform to effect meaningful change.
“We are very privileged to be in the country that we are, with the healthcare that we have, and the resources that we have – it really is eye-opening and humbling to recognise just how fortunate we are.”
Hadi said it was also his passion and commitment to lifelong learning, coupled with a burning curiosity for the ever-evolving world that medicine entails that propelled him forward through the challenging moments of study, keeping purpose at the forefront of his mind.
“A commitment to lifelong learning is something that has been important in my journey, and it comes down to how much value you place on value in education as a whole,” Hadi said.
“I was brought up to value education a lot because of the power it has to change lives and empower other humans.
“Medicine is a lifelong commitment, and it can be a bit daunting at the age of seventeen making that decision, but having key values of commitment to lifelong learning, and wanting to have a positive impact on people – communities, families and populations – can really be key pivotal things to push you through with purpose.”
On reflecting on what ‘young Hadi’ from Pakistan would’ve said if he could see where he was now, the elated graduate said:
“I think ‘young Hadi’ would not have expected this – but he knew the value of education and the dedication it takes to make a difference, and young Hadi really committed himself to a lifestyle of working hard everyday; waking up putting the work in, keeping his priorities right, spending time with family, friends and loved ones.
“If you keep putting the work in, eventually things will figure themselves out; you’ll figure out your direction and what’s right for you. Set yourself up as best as you can, so when the opportunity comes knocking you have the ability to take it.
“‘Young Hadi’ knew if those priorities and that balance would stay consistent, he would be content, and that’s truly the feeling – though it’s more than contentment – I actually feel humbled after everything, and ultimately grateful.
“It has been a long journey, but a great honour – and to be here at the end and realise it has all paid off is the cherry on top. We’ve all persevered with endurance, and to see everyone cross that line fills me with immense joy, humility, and gratitude.”
The Regional Medical Pathway is an Australian‑first university and hospital partnership between CQUniversity, the University of Queensland, and the Central Queensland and Wide Bay Hospital and Health Services.
CQUniversity's Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) articulates directly to the University of Queensland’s Doctor of Medicine (MD), allowing students to complete the full seven years of study in the Central Queensland and Wide Bay regions.
