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60 seconds with … Ludo Masole

29 October 2008

Name: Ludo Masole
Course: Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Clayton campus
Year level: 2

What is it about your course and the University that helped you to choose Monash?

Recent years have seen a major shift in medicine from the autocratic, didactic way of learning things to an approach where the patient is seen as a whole individual as part of a community. Monash strives to do that, calling it a holistic approach to health and health care. That is what drew me most to Monash.

What is your favourite subject and why?

I have an interest in microbiology. I am particularly interested in infectious diseases, and microbiology is a big part of that. I also like obstetrics. Just the thought of taking care of someone as they prepare to bring a life into this world is just fascinating.

What challenges are ahead for you this year?

I am about to sit a vertically integrated assessment that covers all the material we have learnt since year one. I am also part of Botswana Medical Students Association (BOMSA), an initiative run by Botswana medical students studying all over the world. We are planning a health promotion campaign at three sites in Botswana to inform the community about measures they can put in place to lower their risk of obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

What will be your ideal career (and what will it involve) when you graduate?

I would like to become either an infectious disease specialist or an obstetrician. I would also like a career that does not consume all my time (though this one will consume a lot), because I would like to enjoy my life outside of work too. Bottom line is I want to live a full life, and be able to look back and smile on what I have achieved.

What is it about your course that holds your interest or is particularly satisfying?

As I go through the course I feel more and more like a doctor. The fact that I am going to use what I am taught and what I will experience to heal people and make them happy holds my interest. It satisfies me to know that I will actually make a difference, small as it may be. The difference we are making through BOMSA, although it is challenging, is also very satisfying.

Of all the places in the world you would like to visit/re-visit, where is your favourite destination and why?

I would love to visit Croatia. It looks so beautiful and serene. My favourite destination is Botswana. This never used to be the case when I lived there, but since moving away from home I miss it so much and towards the end of the year am constantly thinking of home and my family. I wouldn’t trade home countries with anyone.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

My mother once told me to believe in myself and that is the best piece of advice I have ever received.

What is something about yourself that most of your fellow students wouldn’t know?

I have a three and a half year old daughter. She lives in Botswana with my parents and is the best thing that has ever happened to me. She inspires me to be the best I can be because I want her to be proud of me.

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