Grandfather and granddaughter Dr Alan Kermond and Amalia Marino share their experiences of attending the University of Melbourne Medical School more than 60 years apart.
Amalia Marino is in the third year of her medical degree at the University of Melbourne, but she’s not the first in her family to walk that path. Amalia’s grandfather, Dr Alan Kermond, graduated from his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery in 1958, and went on to have a long career in radiology.
During the more than 60 years that separate their degrees, the fundamentals of medicine have remained largely unchanged. However, other things have evolved — including gender parity. During Alan’s studies in the 1950s, women were a rarity in the classroom.
“When I was at medical school, I think there were only about three or maybe four women doing medicine and a hundred fellas. I imagine it’s more like 50-50 now,” says Alan — a sentiment Amalia echoes.
“The cohort — as well teaching and clinical staff — is much more diverse now,” she says. “In fact, there’s definitely more women.”
Learning about anatomy via dissection has always been a staple of medical education, but Amalia and Alan’s experiences of it played out a little differently.
“I absolutely loved it,” says Amalia. “I found it fascinating. [My grandfather] shares stories about post-mortem examinations and dissections that sound really gruesome. It was a very different context to the dissection I was exposed to.”
Amalia even recalls hearing a story about Alan passing out during a dissection. “She’s right — I did once,” says Alan.
Alan takes great pride in seeing his granddaughter pursue a career in medicine.
I’m very proud of her. I don’t know whether she wanted to follow in my footsteps, but she was always clever. I think she will find a career in medicine interesting says Alan.
Amalia confirms that seeing her grandfather enjoy his medical career has influenced her choice of profession.
“My grandfather’s career did inspire me to study medicine, seeing how much joy he got out of his career when I was younger. He was never bored. Even after retiring he has kept up the social networks he built up through his practice.
It means a great deal to me to be continuing a family legacy.
Are you part of a multi-generational Medical School family? Share your story: mdhs-alumni@unimelb.edu.au