A scholarship worth travelling for
One of the islets of Nukulaelae, Tonga
For many it's a dream opportunity: an overseas trip and an opportunity to assist on an international aid program. For two Monash University pharmacy students, this dream has become a reality thanks to the Mathew Peck Travelling Scholarship.
Mathew Peck was a Monash University pharmacy student who passed away tragically in an accident while travelling in South America in January 2003. The scholarship was then established by the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences to honour Mathew’s life and to continue his ideals and commitment to international health issues.
The scholarship is designed to provide a Monash University pharmacy student with experience, insight and education on how pharmacists can make a contribution towards improving health services in developing countries.
The two 2010 winners, Alex Bongers and Frances Cameron, have just returned from their amazing adventures.
Alex travelled to Tuvalu, a Polynesian island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, midway between Hawaii and Australia, while Frances travelled to Tonga, spending six weeks based in Vaiola Hospital, the country’s main healthcare facility.
Tuvalu is the fourth smallest country in the world. Due to the lack of space, the country's population is unable to grow vegetables or fruit above negligible amounts. When you combine that with the sedentary lifestyle of many of its citizens there is a national burden of non-communicable diseases.
“My trip was anything but what I expected. I was so naive about the challenges I would face. The issue of non-communicable diseases was the catalyst for my first project, which researched type-two diabetes,” said Alex.
During her stay in Tonga, Frances conducted an audit on venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis, a blood clot that forms within a vein. The audit determined current practice in risk assessment, documentation and provision of prophylaxis for VTE in medical patients.
“During my time in Tonga I learnt to be more flexible and accepting. I embraced the unpredictable functioning of electrical equipment and interruptions to gas and water supplies, and shared my bed with the occasional rat, spider and cockroach. My six weeks were amazing, and I feel very privileged to have had this wonderful experience,” said Frances.
The Mathew Peck Travelling Scholarship awards $4000 each year to a pharmacy student from Monash University. The scholarship was awarded to two students in 2010 because the 2009 recipient was unable to accept.
The scholarship was established by the faculty and is maintained with the support of Mathew’s family and friends, staff, and generous donors.
The 2011 recipient is Brigid McInerney, who is currently planning her trip to the Solomon Islands to complete a project on the use of zinc in children. Brigid will be supervised by Michael Nunan, the first winner of the Mathew Peck Traveling scholarship. Michael is currently based in the Solomon Islands where he holds a 12 month contract as the Director of Pharmacy.