Sabrina Duong

I was born in Sydney, Australia and am the youngest in a family of four. During my childhood I was lucky enough to travel to Vietnam quite often to visit my grandma and relatives and had the opportunity to go on road trips across the country. It was an amazing experience to explore the many wonders that Vietnam offered in terms of scenic landscapes, food and culture.

After seeing what allied health professionals do as part of their jobs, I felt inspired and saw myself working in a health field to make a difference to people’s lives. I knew a Bachelor of Health Science (now Bachelor of Public Health) would give me a lot of flexibility in choosing a health-related postgraduate degree and career in the future.

I am passionate about making new connections through social events and experiences. Understanding and making a difference to people’s lives motivates me to connect and have meaningful conversations with people. As a result, I often find volunteering a rewarding experience to me.

I am passionate about making new connections through social events and experiences. Understanding and making a difference to people’s lives motivates me to connect and have meaningful conversations with people.

I chose UTS because of the welcoming atmosphere and professionalism portrayed during their open days. The university has a good reputation and provides a lot of extra-curricular opportunities for me to explore. It is also very convenient in terms of travel. There is a strong reputation for the Faculty of Health at UTS and so I felt that this was the right university for me.

Throughout my two years at UTS, I would say one highlight is the connections and friendships I developed with others, whether it be lecturers, tutors or friends.

Studying this degree has improved and changed the way I understand how the health system works in Australia and how much more we should appreciate it. I also learnt what health professionals do and the essential skills not only for the future but for the present, e.g. project planning. It allowed me to have insight into my future career paths and allowed me to grow as a better person.

If you have a passion for helping people, are interested in research and want to make a difference to people’s lives, this is the degree for you!

I hope to pursue a Masters of Public Health or a Masters in Orthoptics at UTS and work in these fields. I also hope to do an exchange program whilst studying and travel the world!

What you study in the Bachelor of Health Science (now Public Health) is very interesting. You learn a bit about psychology, how the health system works, as well as understanding the mathematical side of health e.g., epidemiology and statistics. For second year you can choose one out of the five available majors depending on what you like and its relevance to your future goal/career. These majors are Global Health, Digital Health and Analytics, Pharmacology, Human Anatomy, and no major.

My advice to future students is, if you have a passion for helping people, are interested in research and want to make a difference to people’s lives, this is the degree for you! Don’t worry if you don’t know what you want to do yet, as this is a very flexible degree and along the way you can find your true calling!

Read more about the Bachelor of Public Health