We are so pleased to announce the 2021 recipient of our Capstone Editing Textbook Grant for Undergraduates, Bethany Cooper. Ms Cooper is a third-year medical student at Curtin University, studying a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery.
Below, Bethany introduces herself and the contributions she has already made to her field.
Ms Bethany Cooper
I graduated from Rossmoyne Senior High School in 2019 and commenced my tertiary education at Curtin University at the beginning of 2020. I will be starting my third year of medicine at the end of January and cannot wait to experience more clinical placements this year.
In 2021, I coordinated a student-run program called Teddy Bear Hospital. The program involved facilitating visits to primary schools throughout WA. Children bring in their teddy bears and visit a ‘Teddy Clinic’. The program aims to ease ‘white-coat anxiety’ and deliver health promotion. I have always loved working with children, but this experience solidified my dream of becoming a paediatrician.
In the future, my goal is to develop an organisation that provides free healthcare and support to families and children affected by domestic and family violence. My own family circumstances have made me appreciate the necessity of accessibility and inclusivity of healthcare to all in the community. I hope to be able to deliver this service not only through metropolitan and rural Australia but also to underserved communities across the globe.
In addition to my studies and future dreams, I love to stay active and spend time with my grandparents. In my spare time, I teach swimming and enjoy going on walks, hikes and even doing triathlons!
We are so pleased that this grant will assist Bethany by giving her access to textbooks and course materials that she otherwise couldn’t afford. We are proud to support such a dedicated student who will go on to make a significant contribution to equity in healthcare.
