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Rhodes to success

12 November 2008

Anthea Lindquist

Robert Mitchell

A final year Monash University medical student has been named the 2009 recipient of the Victorian Rhodes Scholarship Prize.

24-year-old Anthea Lindquist will study for a Masters in Global Health Science at Oxford University, a degree which imbues graduates with advanced skills in epidemiology, public health development and economics. She then plans to return to Melbourne for specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology.

Ms Lindquist was chosen from four Victorian finalists, including a second Monash University Medicine student Robert Mitchell, by a selection panel including the Governor of Victoria Professor David de Kretser.

Ms Lindquist said she applied for a Rhodes Scholarship because she recognised that acquiring knowledge and becoming part of a worldwide network of people who share the same vision were the most powerful tools to facilitate change.

"Through travel and work in Vanuatu and Fiji I have witnessed the inequalities that exist in the provision of health care and as a result I have become passionate about effecting change," she said.

Inspired by the global health campaigns of fellow Australians Catherine Hamilin and Fred Hollows, Ms Lindquist said she wanted to dedicate her career to improvements to maternal and child health in disadvantaged communities in Australia and the region.

A former Lions Club Youth of the Year (2002) and Zonta International Young Woman of the Year (2002), Ms Lindquist is PADI Open Water Diving certified and an AUSLAN sign language interpreter.

Meanwhile Robert Mitchell, also a final year medical student at Monash University has been short listed as a candidate for an Australia at large Rhodes Scholarship.

The 24 year old has worked in medical programs and undertaken elective subjects in remote Australian communities and in Papua New Guinea, and in 2005 was a Rotary Youth Representative to Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli.

Recent Monash University Rhodes Scholars include Farnaz Sabet (2005), Lucas Bluff (2004), Geraldine Buckingham (2003) and Nathan Grills (2002).

The Rhodes Scholarship provides successful recipients with a full time postgraduate course position of their choice at the University of Oxford with all university and residential college fees paid by the Rhodes Trust.

It is the 106th year that the Rhodes Scholarship has been awarded on the basis of both academic achievement and good character.

Typical Rhodes Scholars are considered to have outstanding academic achievements, a background in community work, be active participants in sport and display strong leadership skills.