Thomas ter Beek

My name is Thomas ter Beek and I have just commenced my first year studying for a Doctor of Medicine at Monash University in Melbourne. I am a Hamilton Boys’ High School Old Boy, having spent most of my childhood growing up in the Waikato. I come from a Dutch family, and have been fortunate enough to grow up bilingual, and experience European culture by traveling to the Netherlands every two years to visit family.

I have passions that lie in several places. A deep enthusiasm for all outdoor pursuits means that I am always planning hiking trips, and have been able to complete several of New Zealand’s Great Walks. I based myself for two months in the South Island at the start of 2024, so that I was able to experience a number of hikes and complete a number of grueling trail runs, taking in some of the most beautiful parts of the country. Spending time in nature is one of the most freeing experiences, as it forces me to be present and focused on the current moment (to avoid falling flat on my face), while testing the limits of my physical mental ability. When I am not somewhere in the mountains, I train for both half and full marathons, go mountain biking, or work on my golf swing.

Aside from my love for all things outdoors, I am an academic nut at heart. Last year, I was a member of my school’s academic committee, and have achieved success in my exams over the years. In 2022, I was awarded top in New Zealand for CIE AS level English, and in 2023 I received 6 scholarships in the NZQA scholarship examinations. My NCEA level 3 results enabled me to acquire a place in the Monash medical program, which I started this year. I attribute much of my academic success to the support I have received over the years from my parents, teachers, and friends. This means I have a keen interest in helping others to meet their academic potential. For example, last year I was a senior mentor at my school’s refugee support centre, supporting resettled students with their studies, and allowing them to feel welcome and valued at the school.

After I achieve my medical degree, I hope to become a surgeon, although I am still unsure what type (paediatric, plastic, ophthalmologist, the list goes on…) As a surgeon, I believe that I can improve the lives of many people, by eventually starting my own practise so that more people are able to access critically needed healthcare, and so that training is available for any other aspiring surgeons. I intend to participate in valuable research, and also intend to commit a period of my career to humanitarian work, with an organisation such as Doctors without Borders. I also hope to found an organisation where I can facilitate a pathway for underprivileged students to study medicine and experience the freeing impact of the outdoors.

I believe that I am a deeply empathetic person, and will go out of my way to help another. Adversity is inevitable in life, it is how we deal with it and the support we receive that determines whether we overcome it. I conclude with the past US President, Woodrow Wilson’s quote:

The ear of the leader must ring with the voices of the people.