After graduating from Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) in 2018, Charity Aghahowa went on to study a Bachelor of Health Sciences, majoring in Public Health, at the University of Queensland. She is currently completing a Doctor of Medicine at the University of Sydney and is due to graduate in 2027.
Alongside her medical studies, Charity has developed a strong interest in clinical research. She is currently involved in projects investigating the feasibility and outcomes of horseshoe kidney transplantations at Westmead Hospital, as well as research into splenic and pancreatic trauma injury protocols in paediatric patients at the Children's Hospital at Westmead.
Throughout medical school, Charity has actively pursued leadership and mentoring opportunities. She founded the OSCE Club at Westmead Hospital, where senior medical students taught first-year students how to prepare for practical clinical examinations. She was also awarded a scholarship to attend the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Summer School in Melbourne.
In addition, Charity has served as a Vampire Cup Representative for the University of Sydney as part of the Australian Medical Students' Association annual blood donation drive competition between Australian medical schools. She has also worked as the Social Media Representative for Westmead Hospital and participated as a mock OSCE examiner for junior medical students.
Looking ahead, Charity hopes to pursue a surgical subspecialty while continuing to gain experience in surgery and surgical research.
Reflecting on her time at QASMT, Charity credits the IB curriculum with solidifying her love of learning and providing a strong foundation for a career centred on lifelong education. She believes the SMT environment encouraged curiosity, resilience, and independence, qualities that have continued to shape her throughout university and medical school.