Shreya Somasundaran - Future Graduate
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AMA Queensland Foundation Medical Student Scholarship recipient and sixth year James Cook University medical student.
Shreya completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with Honours in Medical Research prior to studying medicine, with research exploring the implementation of digital health technologies in underserved communities. Now in her final year of medicine, she hopes to utilise this experience to provide clinical care to underserved populations.
As a first-generation immigrant Shreya’s upbringing was defined by resilience and sacrifice, with her mother working two jobs to support the family. This experience of living in a single-income household has equally shaped her clinical goals alongside her academic experience.
“As I progress toward becoming a doctor, I remain committed to assisting underserved populations and hope to integrate research with clinical practice to address healthcare inequities and improve access to care,” she said.
Early in her medical degree, Shreya started supporting herself financially due to additional family responsibilities at home. Since then, she has relied heavily on casual employment, which has become increasingly difficult alongside the increasing demands of studying medicine.
When her mother developed a neurological condition in 2025, Shreya’s circumstances reduced even further.
“My mother was temporarily unable to walk and continues to require ongoing investigations, treatment, and specialist follow-up. This has reduced her capacity to work and increased her medical and financial needs,” she said.
“As my mother’s primary support, I have done my best to assist her where possible. However, balancing the responsibility of supporting myself while contributing to my mother’s care has created significant financial strain for me,” she said.
What’s more, Shreya has also nearly exhausted her HECS/HELP loan limits due to her previous degree.
“Supporting myself and aiming to help with my mother’s ongoing medical needs with a limited capacity to work has been increasingly difficult to maintain during my final clinical years due to demanding placement hours and relocations,” she said.
Shreya said funds from the scholarship will support essential expenses including accommodation, transport and other relocation costs she will incur during her upcoming placement in Mt Isa.
“Receiving this scholarship will be greatly alleviate the pressures I currently face. The support will enable me to focus on my clinical training while supporting my mother and working toward providing for my family and giving back to my community,” she said.
“I am thankful to AMAQ for offering this scholarship as it has been a great financial relief for me, at the right time! It will allow me to cover the essential costs of sustaining myself through my final clinical year while continuing to support my mum. This funding will make a significant difference to my circumstances, particularly by enabling me to reduce my working hours after placement. I hope to complete my degree and give back to the community using the clinical and research skills I have developed over the years.”
Read more about our 2026 recipients here.
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