In this episode of the Creative Careers in Medicine podcast, host Dr Dana Phang interviews Dr Helena Franco, a medical professional with a diverse background and a passion for orthopaedic surgery.

Dr Franco shares her journey from being an undergraduate student in medicine to becoming an orthopaedic PHO in Queensland.

Dr Franco talks about her early interest in law and her experimentation with kidney cells during her high school years, which sparked her curiosity about Pathophysiology and the human body. Combining her love for biology and chemistry, along with a desire to build relationships with patients, she decided to pursue a career in medicine.

During her time as a medical student, Dr Franco became involved in various societies, including the Surgical Society and the Australasian Student Surgical Association. These experiences allowed her to meet new people and explore her interest in surgery, ultimately leading her to orthopaedics.

Interestingly, Dr Franco admits that orthopaedics wasn't her initial choice. She was initially inclined towards ear, nose and throat surgery. However, a fortuitous encounter with a mentor during a total hip replacement procedure changed her perspective. She shadowed experienced consultants in orthopaedics and gradually realised her true interest in the field.

The conversation also delves into Dr Franco's recent achievements, including winning the Harvard Prize and graduating from Harvard Medical School with a Master's of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery. She shares the backstory of how she obtained these prestigious scholarships and the decision to take a step away from clinical practice, something not commonly pursued by medical professionals.

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