Bundy grad on course to close regional healthcare gaps

By Lucy Stafford

Bundaberg local Christian Lane-Krebs sees his graduation from CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to medicine) with distinction as more than a degree, it represents a critical step towards strengthening the regional medical workforce he hopes to one day serve.

Now halfway through his journey to becoming a doctor, Christian’s path has been shaped by lived experience, community connection and a deep understanding of the health gaps faced by regional Australians.

Growing up with a disability in regional Queensland, Christian saw firsthand the stark difference between rural and metropolitan healthcare access.

“Large burdens were placed on myself and my family in accessing high-quality health care and specialist appointments,” he said.

“I was always drawn to medicine, specifically rural medicine, because I have a strong passion to close that gap and bring high-quality healthcare to rural areas of Australia, particularly for people living with disability or chronic disease.”

When CQUniversity launched its Pathway to Medicine program, it offered Christian something rare in Australian medical education, the opportunity to live, study and train locally, without having to leave his support networks behind.

“I was drawn to CQUniversity from the very beginning,” he said.

“I completed multiple SUN subjects while still in high school, and when I discovered that CQU offered a medical pathway program, it felt like an incredible opportunity to remain within my community, study with a university I already trusted and gain foundational medical knowledge that wasn’t offered anywhere else in the country.”

That local model of educating future doctors in the communities where they are most needed is central to CQUniversity’s role in addressing regional doctor shortages, and it has had a profound impact on Christian’s confidence and career direction.

Reflecting on his first day, Christian recalls arriving with excitement mixed with self-doubt.

“I remember thinking, ‘Have I gotten myself into deep water? Am I good enough? Do I really have what it takes?’” he said.

“But with each subject I completed and each year I passed, I revealed a whole new side of myself. I developed skills of patience, perseverance and determination.”

While the academic workload was demanding, Christian said the greatest challenge was overcoming imposter syndrome, a struggle familiar to many university students.

“I often thought I wasn’t worthy of being in the course,” he said.

“I came from a public school in regional Queensland, surrounded by people who felt so far ahead of me. It took time to realise that it doesn’t matter where you come from, what matters is what you do with the opportunities you’re given.”

That turning point came through real-world learning experiences and community placements, which are embedded throughout the Pathway to Medicine program.

“Being out in the community and interacting with real healthcare professionals made me realise that what truly matters is your drive to keep going and improve every day,” he said.

“From preliminary examinations to diagnosis and patient communication, CQU did an incredible job of showing us what it’s really like to be a doctor, not just the science, but the human side of medicine.”

Christian credits these early placements with cementing his confidence and reinforcing his purpose.

“They made me realise I’m exactly where I need to be, actively being trained to help people in my community and contribute to regional healthcare.”

The second year of the program proved particularly transformative.

“It was more rigorous and content-heavy and it really forced you to decide whether you were going to fully commit,” he said.

“Although it was tough, it worked wonders for my resilience and self-belief. I finally realised I belonged here.”

Christian also praised the support he received throughout his studies, acknowledging the role of CQUniversity staff, mentors, friends and family.

“The dedication of the lecturers, course managers and admin staff has taken this degree to another level,” he said.

“The academic tools, placements and foundational knowledge I’ve gained across areas like anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and clinical communication, have given me such a strong platform for postgraduate medical school.”

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to medicine) with distinction, Christian is already contributing to the long-term solution to regional doctor shortages. He is a locally trained future doctor with deep ties to his community and a commitment to staying.

“I plan to remain in regional Queensland throughout my medical career,” he said.

“I wouldn’t feel like I was using my degree appropriately if I left to practise in a metropolitan area when regional doctors are needed now more than ever.

“I’ve seen the challenges in regional healthcare firsthand and it’s lit a fire in me to not be part of the problem, but part of the solution.”

Graduating with his bachelor’s degree, Christian describes the moment as surreal.

“I still remember crying with my mum when I received my acceptance letter,” he said.

“Everyone told me seven years was such a long time, but now that I’m halfway through, I can honestly say it’s flown by.”

As he looks ahead to medical school and beyond, Christian says he’s most excited to continue pushing his boundaries and giving back to the community that helped shape him.

“This degree reflects not only my hard work, but the support of everyone who believed in me,” he said.

“To be given the opportunity to help people even as a student is such a privilege and I can’t wait to see what comes next.”

Following his successful completion of the Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to medicine) with distinction, Christian has entered The University of Queensland's regionally based Doctor of Medicine program. He will complete a further four years of study in the Wide Bay Region where he will become a regionally trained doctor. 

For more information on the program please visit the Regional Medical Pathway website.  

More information about the CQUniversity Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) course is available on the course page on the CQUniversity website.