In Principio August 2017

MEDICINE GRADUATE NAMED 2017 ‘MOST INSPIRING WOMAN OF THE YEAR’ Michele Delacretaz had lived a full life – as a nurse, midwife, and lecturer – all while raising a family of four when, at the age of 50, she decided to further pursue her passion for medicine by taking up a four-year degree in medical studies at Notre Dame. In March this year she was recognised for her achievements – and joined an illustrious line-up of other recipients, when she received Momentum Australia’s highest award. “Believe in yourself and your intuition” is the key piece of advice Notre Dame graduate, Dr Michele Delacretaz offers, following her journey as a 50-year-old mature-age student at Fremantle’s School of Medicine. The newly-graduated doctor received Momentum for Australia’s* ‘Most InspiringWoman of the Year, 2017’ Award at Hancock Prospecting’s International Women’s Day Luncheon in March. Previously awarded to high profile Australian figures including Gina Rinehart in 2015 and Julie Bishop in 2016, the award recognised the mother of four’s dedication to health, working as a midwife for over 30 years and being an academic and lecturer, before pursuing medical studies. Michele first graduated from Notre Dame in 2005 when – under her married name Michele Barry, she completed a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education under the guidance of Professor Selma Alliex, currently the University’s Head of Campus in Fremantle. “Medicine was something that I considered for many years, but never had the necessary confidence or self-belief to pursue my passion,” said Michele. That all changed when she attended an Open Day at Notre Dame’s Fremantle Campus in 2012. “I sat quietly at the back and listened. The room was full of youth and intelligence, both of which made me quite nervous.” “That night I was told I would be considered on equal par to every other contender. Age alone would be no barrier,” she said. Speaking of her current role as a junior doctor at Royal Perth Hospital, what Michele lacks in ‘youthful enthusiasm’, she makes up for in life experience. “Now, as I proudly step into my 55th year, I am honoured to be a junior doctor under the direction of a committed and dedicated multi-professional team at Royal Perth Hospital. My long-term goal is to continue to work in women’s health, striving tomake a positive contribution to women both locally and globally. However, as with all journeys, it is not only about the end point, it is about howwe get there, and the connections we make along the way.” Michele’s final message from receiving the award is, “to believe in yourself and in your intuition. Do not be restrained by age or be frightened to learn new things, and remember that persistence is your friend to help you grasp the opportunities as they pass you by.” *The Mission of Momentum for Australia is to create support for worthy causes through new health awareness and prevention campaigns. Momentum for Australia is proud to support the community and work together toward achieving real solutions to issues including mental health, breast cancer and youth health. A L U M N I U P D A T E I N P R I N C I P I O | 2 4

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