Harleen Aulakh (2013)
While Harleen wasn’t sure she had the stomach for medicine, she always knew she wanted to be a doctor. Luckily, fainting during a Year 9 Science class "when Mrs Milne started talking about blood” did not deter her from pursuing a career in medicine.
Now working as a General Practice Registrar (trainee) in Bacchus Marsh, Harleen has faced a number of challenges along the way.
After missing out on direct entry, she did a degree in biomedicine before gaining admission into post-graduate medicine.
“There were many times during my studies when the stress of exams and self-doubt—and my blood phobia! —made me question my career path.”
Over time, Harleen has learned to overcome the hurdles and has found her place in general practice. “I’ve been able to focus on the reason I chose to do medicine—to help people in their most vulnerable moments. I’ve finally found what I was looking for, both professionally and personally.”
Career highlights
A number of experiences have shaped Harleen’s outlook as a doctor.
During her studies, a four-week elective in an obstetrics and gynaecology ward at a large public teaching hospital in Nepal was a powerful reminder of the global inequities in healthcare.
“The stark differences in access to resources, cultural influences on care and the complications surrounding childbirth were eye-opening. It reinforced for me the importance of adaptable, compassionate care in diverse and resource-poor settings.”
Marked by Covid-19 lockdowns, social isolation and significant disruption to healthcare systems, her three years as a junior doctor were challenging. While working in an aged care ward during her intern year in 2021, the requirement for full masking and gowning created additional barriers in the care of vulnerable patients.
“I often had to have extremely difficult conversations with family members who were unable to visit their loved ones. It was through this experience that I came to truly understand the emotional responsibility that comes with being a doctor.”
"I find general practice to be an incredibly rewarding career path, and I recognise the privilege of caring for and supporting people across all stages of their life".
Harleen’s time at Grammar
Grammar fostered the discipline and confidence that have continued to guide me. I remain deeply grateful for the enduring impact this has had on my personal and professional development.
“I valued the strong academic environment and the teachers who encouraged curiosity and perseverance. Those early experiences of being challenged and supported while being exposed to a wide range of opportunities helped lay the foundation for my decision to pursue medicine and for how I respond to life’s ups and downs today.”
Acknowledgement of Country
Ballarat and Queen’s Anglican Grammar School acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn, live and work, the Wadawurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Commitment to Child Safety
Ballarat Grammar maintains a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of child abuse and actively implements measures to identify and manage any risks of harm to students within our school environment. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people are central and fundamental responsibilities of the School. We are firmly committed to fostering a child-safe culture that provides an environment where students are safe and feel safe, where their participation is valued, their views respected, and their voices heard in decisions that affect their lives. Ballarat Grammar values diversity and strictly prohibits any racist or discriminatory practices. All members of our school community share the responsibility to care for children and young people by promptly raising any concerns regarding their safety, promoting their wellbeing, and protecting them from all forms of harm or abuse.
