Finding Grit & Breaking Bones (Almost)
This June, I had the absolute privilege of attending the LIONZ Forum in Dunedin, and I can honestly say I left feeling like something in me had shifted. As a fourth-year medical student, I’m somewhere between knowing enough to feel overwhelmed and not knowing enough to feel confident - so walking into a room full of powerhouse orthopaedic surgeons? Terrifying. But also… exhilarating
I was lucky enough to be selected to attend with another Auckland medical student, someone from a similarly humble background, which made a world of difference. Having a buddy to laugh with, feel awkward with, and reflect with made the whole experience feel less intimidating and more empowering
The day began with an insightful session by Nick Petrie on resilience and burnout, and I found myself nodding along so hard I nearly gave myself whiplash. Like many students, I’ve had my fair share of setbacks and moments of doubt. Hearing Nick speak so honestly about the importance of recognising burnout early and building resilience not as a badge of honour, but as a survival tool hit home in a very real way. It was the kind of conversation I wish we had more of in medical school
Next came Dr Fiona Moir’s session on wellbeing in the workplace, and again, I was scribbling notes like my life depended on it. These weren’t just future tips for “One day when I’m a Consultant”—they were strategies I could use right now to protect my wellbeing and stay connected to why I chose medicine in the first place
Then - the sawbones workshop...
Let’s just say things got interesting at Station 8. I walked in full of nerves, picked up the tools, and somehow managed to almost injure some of the lovely ortho trainees. I genuinely feared I was going to be escorted out before I even got to Station 9. But instead of giving me the side-eye or backing away slowly, Dr Anna McDonald and the team burst into laughter and reassured me that I was doing just fine. Their patience, encouragement, and ability to turn a near-catastrophe into a teachable moment reminded me how powerful kindness in medicine really is. I was so grateful
Each station after that felt like a rollercoaster of fear and excitement - but at every step, the senior trainees and consultants were supportive, engaged, and just so generous with their time. I’d never felt so out of my depth and so inspired at the same time. It was hands-on, fast-paced, and honestly…
kind of addictive
And then, there were the women. Strong, skilled, grounded, and full of grit. Some were mothers, some were partners, some both - and all of them were holding their own in an incredibly demanding field. Watching them, I saw myself - not just who I am now, but who I could be. It made orthopaedics feel possible. Not distant. Not "only for a certain type of person" but something I could genuinely see myself being part of, if I’m willing to work hard and stay true to myself
I’ve never attended anything like LIONZ before, and I don’t think anything else could compare. It was a day of learning, laughter, and reflection. I left feeling more grounded in my journey, more open to the possibilities ahead, and deeply, deeply inspired
A huge thank you to Medtronic, whose sponsorship made it possible for me to attend. Without their support, this experience - one that truly impacted the course of my thinking and potentially my future career - might not have been possible. You made space for someone like me to learn, grow, and feel like I belonged. And I’ll never forget that
Next steps? Keep studying, keep showing up, and keep chasing that same spark I felt in Dunedin. Whether or not I end up in orthopaedics, I now know that I can -and sometimes, that’s all you need to take the next step forward
Links to other 2025 student/HO recounts:
