Teen secures UWA spot to study medicine

A childhood passion was what motivated 18-year-old Janie Smith to secure a position at the University of Western Australia to study medicine.

The former Great Southern Grammar student was one of 45 students across the State to receive first-round offers in the Rural School Leaver Assured Entry Pathway.

The Rural Pathway which works in collaboration with the Rural Clinical School of WA identifies students through rural and remote areas of WA who are inte- rested in pursuing a career in medicine.

Ms Smith who completed Year 12 last year with an ATAR of 96.7 said her aspiration to become a doctor began in primary school.

"Medicine is something I wanted to do for a really long time," she said.

"I've always been really interested in how I can help someone in my life and I think medicine is a really good career to do that in especially in a rural area where sometimes people don't get the help they need."

Ms Smith said aside from rural practice she has an interest in specialising in obstetrics.