Disability no barrier
Cerebral palsy sufferer determined to be a doctor
I REALLY WANT TO INSPIRE OTHER STUDENTS … THEY CAN EXCEL IN ANY ENVIRONMENT IF THEY PUT THEIR MIND INTO IT JERUSHA MATHER
A VICTORIAN PHD student is vying to make a bold move to Townsville to become the first female to enter medical school in Australia with cerebral palsy.
Jerusha Mather, who is studying at Victoria University in Melbourne, has applied to study medicine at James Cook University next year in a bid to follow her passion.
Born in Sri Lanka, the now 25-yearold moved to Australia at just two years of age after doctors said she would never walk or talk, with Australia offering better care, inclusivity and understanding for people with a disability.
Ms Mather said James Cook University had a reputation for inclusion and being the only medical school open to students with a disability.
“It would be a big move but I think it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” she said.
“I’d love to be a rehabilitation practitioner, and work with people with a disability.
“That’s what my research is about now, so it kind of ties in with my work.
“I really want to inspire other students … and I really want to show them they can achieve their goals no matter what challenges they have and they can excel in any environment if they put their mind to it.”
Ms Mather’s current work investigates strength training for people with cerebral palsy.
It would be a bold move for the young woman who has never even visited Townsville, but believes overcoming the associated challenges is about having a positive attitude towards life.
This year Ms Mather was selected for the 2020 L’OREAL-UNESCO Women in Science Mentoring Program, which matches PHD candidates with Women in Science fellows who are leaders in their fields.