Student profile: Medicine

Meet Jenny Zheng
We caught up with Doctor of Medicine student, Jenny Zheng, to find out why she chose her degree and what it's like studying at the University of Sydney.
Sydney Medical School student, Jenny Zheng

Why did you choose to study medicine? 

I did a lot of first aid volunteering during my undergraduate degree studying biomedicine. Through that experience, I was able to learn so much about healthcare and I realised that I actually love treating people and interacting with them. This experience also enabled me to work with so many diverse people from such different ages and backgrounds, which inspired me to try pursue study in medicine.

What does a typical day at uni look like for you?

Generally I would start class at about 9 and have a couple of lectures until lunch break, where I have a chance to catch up and hang out with friends. Some days I have prac classes in the afternoon whereas others there may be a few more lectures.

Usually I try to break up my day by going to taekwondo class in the afternoon, especially if I have had a long day of lectures. I might also stay back and study for a bit after training depending on how I feel on the day. Thursdays are a bit different as they are my clinical days, and those are spent at the hospital where I have tutorials and other classes in a clinical setting.

What has surprised you most about your degree?

I think I was surprised to still find ways to maintain a balance with hobbies outside of uni, such as continuing taekwondo and returning to drawing more. As I moved out by myself for the first time for this degree, I did not think that I would have the time to maintain this balance.

What do you like most about studying at Usyd?

I love the environment of the campus and all the hidden corners that are waiting to be discovered.

What advice would you give other students just starting out?

Give new things a go, even if it may seem nerve wrecking! You never know who you could meet or how it could shape your university experience! What you get out of uni depends of what you put in, so go for it!