‘Zach’ of all trades: Aspiring doctor recognised at Student Awards

They say you should make the most of your time at university, and University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) student Zachary Vellacott has done just that.

A soon-to-be graduate of our Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Medicine Pathway), Zachary is well on his way to achieving his dream of working as a doctor in rural and regional communities and giving back to the industry that’s had such a profound impact on his life.

Between lectures and labs, he’s also somehow found time to champion student life through his various representation and leadership positions, bring students together through community events and initiatives, and enrich his perspective through cultural experiences abroad.

He was recently acknowledged for his academic success, leadership and passion at the 2025 UniSQ Student Awards, receiving not one but three major awards – the All-Round Excellence Award, University Values Award, and Student Voice Award (joint winner).

We caught up with him after the event to chat about what these accolades mean to him, his study journey so far and what’s in store for him over the next few years as he pursues a career in medicine

Tell us about your journey. What inspired you to study at UniSQ?

As a child, I experienced some significant health challenges. Alongside my family’s unwavering support, the medical care I received has stayed with me and gradually become a calling. Having grown up and attended school in Toowoomba, UniSQ has always felt like my home university. In my final year of secondary education, I committed myself to the ATAR, UCAT and interview process and was grateful to be accepted as part of the inaugural cohort for the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Medicine Pathway). The opportunity to be part of this program has been an incredible honour, and I’m grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have been afforded throughout my time as a UniSQ student, which have supported my journey to achieving my career aspirations.

What have you enjoyed most about your study experience so far?

The people. My study experience has had many highlights, many of which beginning with the connections I have formed with fellow students within my cohort as we are all on a seven-year university journey together as part of the Medicine Pathway program. I’ve also valued student representation, including co-chair roles and representative positions on the Academic Board – a standout moment was attending the 12th University Scholars Leadership Symposium in Bangkok, Thailand in 2024. Visiting a refugee camp near the Myanmar border as a group leader was both confronting and formative. It deepened my faith and strengthened my desire to contribute to humanitarian medical work. That experience, alongside opportunities to serve through the Student Representative Committee and the Student Senate, has been defining.

What does it mean to you to be honoured with the All-Round Excellence Award, University Values Award, and Student Voice Award?

I’m deeply grateful for these honours, but wish to reflect on the fact that recognition like this reflects not merely an individual, but a whole community of people who show up, serve and do the quiet work that makes UniSQ what it is. All-round excellence speaks to balance – striving for academic rigour while contributing through leadership, service, and sport. It reminds me that excellence isn’t one-dimensional – it’s the daily discipline of doing things well and for the right reasons. The university values resonate with how we pursue goals, not just the outcomes we achieve. Whilst at times it can be difficult to widen your view beyond an ultimate outcome or achievement, I believe it is most important to focus on the character you build in the process. Student voice is especially meaningful because it recognises listening, collaboration, and elevating others. Much of that work is collective – through committees, societies and volunteering. So, in jointly receiving this award, I wish to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of my peers who have partnered with me in standing together to elevate the student experience to the best it can possibly be. I will always pride myself on giving my best effort to the journey, and I believe that receiving each of these awards is the culmination of the efforts throughout my university journey, which I am both incredibly proud of and grateful for, and which motivates me to continue striving to achieve my best and support others.

What inspired you to get involved and make a difference in the UniSQ community?

I feel as though I have always aspired to make a difference in the communities I am part of. There is no greater success than when people can succeed not just as individuals, but together as a group. For me, this underpins the essence of leadership. I’d held leadership roles in school and sport, so stepping into student representation at UniSQ in my second year felt like a natural progression. It was a chance to turn ideas into action and amplify the student voice. That same motivation helped me co-found the UniSQ Medical Society, which has become an active community connecting students through events, fundraisers, and initiatives that support one another.

How do you balance your academic and extra-curricular endeavours?

It’s challenging and it does involve sacrifice. I rely on a disciplined calendar – time-blocking study, classes, hospital shifts, training, meetings, and limited rest. When academic demands rise, I ensure they come first. Some weeks, that means reducing other commitments. At the same time, maintaining fitness and involvement in the community is essential for my wellbeing and helps me perform better across the board.

What advice would you give to students wanting to get the most out of their university experience?

Picture the ‘no regrets’ version of yourself at graduation and work backwards – then, act on it. Say yes to opportunities, because you can’t succeed in a race you never enter. Find mentors and ask questions, seek feedback and implement it. Join clubs, volunteer and represent your peers. Contribution grows capacity for the community and helps you to grow as an individual. Treat setbacks as learning opportunities. Most importantly, hold yourself with gratitude and humility. This is what will open doors and make your journey more enjoyable. If you consistently show up with those habits, you’ll be surprised by how much your university experience expands.

What do you hope to do after finishing university? Do you have any specific career goals and/or ambitions?

Although my time as a UniSQ student is coming to an end, my studies are far from over. Next year, I’ll commence the Doctor of Medicine with The University of Queensland at the Toowoomba Rural Clinical School. This will see me continue my tertiary education for another four years. After this, I hope to graduate as a medical doctor and complete specialist medical training. I’d love to end up specialising and spend time in rural and regional communities where patients historically must relocate and travel to metropolitan regions for specialist healthcare. I’d like to be part of a future where rural patients can stay within their communities and support networks more regularly and consistently when undergoing specialist medical care. I’d also love to contribute on the international level with Mercy Ships, delivering medical care in humanitarian operations where people are in desperate need of medical aid and attention. In saying that, I realise there is a long journey ahead of me – so I’m going to trust the journey and enjoy the process along the way.