Delhi doctor takes on new challenge

Working as a resident doctor in a specialty hospital in Delhi, India, Lakshmi Dwivedi decided it was time for a career – and sea – change.

The former international student graduated with a Master of Public Health (Global Nutrition and Active Living) from Victoria University (VU) in 2020 and now works as a public health officer for the Victorian Government’s Department of Health and Human Services in Melbourne.

“I’m a general physician from India and was working as a resident doctor in one of the leading super specialty hospitals in Delhi,” Lakshmi says.

“I’ve always wanted to study abroad and expand my knowledge, and what sparked my interest in VU was that it is the only university offering nutrition as well as active living,” she says.

“So the unique combination of the course and the affordability of the fees were the driving force in my decision to study at VU.”

During her degree, Lakshmi undertook a professional project with Cohealth, a not-for-profit community health organisation and one of VU’s industry partners.

She also took part in the VU Vollies program, which helps students make new friends, broaden their networks and learn new skills through volunteering opportunities on campus and in the local community.

“Studying at VU has been an amazing journey of experiences and opportunities.

“The staff has always been supportive, and coming from a culturally different background, VU always felt like family away from home.

“Some of my best memories at VU were the many multicultural events and Diwali celebrations.”

Course studied

Master of Public Health (Global Nutrition and Active Living) – no longer offered (see Master of Global Public Health).