Emily Mac Gregor, a final-year medical student in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria (UP), has garnered national acclaim for her exceptional achievements in the field of medicine. Recently bestowed with the ASAIPA Young Doctors Merit Award, Emily's dedication to leadership, academics, and community engagement has distinguished her among her peers.

"When I found out I was one of the top 5 nationally, it was quite a shock," Emily admitted during an interview. "So many of my peers are so remarkable, I hadn’t really expected to be singled out. Once it sank in, I felt incredibly honoured and excited. The first thing I did was call my mom to let her know."

The ASAIPA Young Doctors Merit Award is designed to recognise outstanding medical students who demonstrate excellence across academics, leadership, and community engagement. Emily elaborated, "It's a fantastic initiative to acknowledge work that often happens behind the scenes."

Emily's achievements reflect her multifaceted approach to medical education. She has held significant leadership roles, co-authored a published article, received academic accolades, and contributed to vital research in maternal and neonatal health. Notably, she founded ReachUP in 2022, a student society offering free academic lectures, practical workshops, and community outreach. "Passing the leadership torch on to a successor has been fulfilling," Emily remarked, "and I'm excited to see ReachUP thrive as I prepare to move forward from UP."

Recognising the importance of holistic education in medicine, Emily emphasised, "Academic achievement isn't the only important metric of success in this degree. It's also about compassion, leadership, and advocacy for patients. Organisations like ASAIPA play a crucial role in promoting this holistic approach and inspiring future healthcare leaders."

Looking ahead, Emily is passionate about integrating impactful research with good clinical practice. "I hope to contribute to advancements that directly improve patient care and outcomes," she shared. "Teaching is also a significant aspiration of mine — I have had so many wonderful teachers, and hope to be able to pass their knowledge on to the next generation."

Reflecting on her time at UP's Faculty of Health Sciences, Emily expressed gratitude for the supportive environment that has shaped her journey. "UP has provided me with a solid foundation of clinical knowledge and skills," she affirmed. "Beyond that, it encouraged ambition and creativity. I have absolutely loved being a medical student here."

Emily credited her inspiration to the patients she has interacted with and mentors such as Professors Vanessa Steenkamp, Sumaiya Adam, and Tivani Mashamba-Thompson. "Their support has been invaluable," Emily acknowledged, "and this award would not have been possible without their guidance and encouragement."

Balancing academic rigor with extracurricular activities has been a learning process for Emily. "Prioritisation was key," she explained. "Identifying what needed immediate attention versus what could wait allowed me to maintain balance and pursue my passions effectively."

For current and future medical students aspiring to similar achievements, Emily offered encouraging advice: "Believe in yourself, and surround yourself with mentors who inspire you. Remember why you chose medicine—it’s a privilege and a passion. Pursue it with dedication and compassion, but remember to have some fun too."

Emily’s accolades underscore her commitment to advancing healthcare and serving as a role model for aspiring healthcare professionals. As she looks forward to her future career, Emily remains grateful for the opportunities and support that have defined her path at UP.