Carolyn Cho (1988)

How did Daramalan College influence your life?   

I really enjoyed my time at Daramalan and it allowed me to get the marks to study medicine at the University of Sydney. I feel nostalgic every time I drive past the school!

What did you do after finishing Daramalan College and what are you doing now?

I am a specialist general surgeon with a subspecialty interest in cancer surgery, specifically breast and skin cancers including melanoma surgery.  I also perform breast reconstructive surgery for women having breast cancer surgery. After completing my medical degree in 1994, I worked as a junior doctor before being accepted onto the General Surgery training program of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.  After completing surgical training, I did further subspecialty training in Australia and in London in the Melanoma/Sarcoma unit, before returning to Canberra.  I have been working in Canberra as a surgeon since 2002.

What is the most important thing to you?   

I have a particular interest in women’s health, which is one reason why I chose to specialize in Breast surgery and Cancer surgery. I feel it is a privilege to help women in their cancer journey and I try to provide holistic care. This means not just providing surgical management of breast cancer but trying to help women in all aspects of their treatment, to improve both physical and mental health.  As a female surgeon, I aim to provide mentorship to younger doctors and medical students and aim to promote surgery as a career.

What are you most proud of in your life?

I am most proud of my daughter, who has just started university this year.  She has achieved so much more in her school career than I ever did.

What is your advice for current students?

When I started medicine, I didn’t know where it would lead me.  The most important influences have been my mentors both male and female.  It is really important to have a mentor who can provide guidance and advice at all stages of your study and career.  As a female working in a male dominated field, I believe that you should never let anyone tell you “you can’t do that” because if you truly want to do something then anything is possible.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?   

Perfect happiness for me is to ride my road bike with my friends.  I am outside, it keeps me physically and mentally happy and I LOVE cycling!  My husband thinks I am obsessed…

Who is your hero of fiction or movie?  

I am a Marvel addict.