Dr Chitra Harinesan
­­­­Greystanes Family Medical Practice

250 Old Prospect Road,

Greystanes NSW 2145

24/09/2014

Re: Letter of Support for Shobiga Sarvananda

To Whom It May Concern,

                  It is my pleasure to write in support of Shobiga Sarvananda, currently studying “Bachelor of Medical Science, provisional entry to Doctor Of Medicine”. As a General Practitioner, practicing in Sydney for more than ten years, I have been in close association with Shobiga as her family doctor, since a young age. I also acted as both a mentor and an advocate for her pursuance in Medicine. I deem myself to be in a suitable position to express judgment on her pertinent skills and unfaltering motivation, as I have witnessed her development from a young age. From a young age, she has displayed a deep-rooted desire to study Medicine and her perseverance, work ethic and social and ethical awareness are highly commendable. Thus, I highly recommend Shobiga, as I believe that she is an exceptionally well-suited candidate.

Shobiga possesses a prodigious blend of communication skills, with an ability to broach and explain sensitive subject matter in an exceptional manner, and willingness to help, seen through her active involvement in voluntary work, which as a doctor I deem to be promising characteristics of future graduates of your university, as these characteristics are inherent and cannot be taught to an individual.

Shobiga has also exhibited a willingness to help those in need, which I believe would constitute her a compassionate doctor. Her voluntary participation in charity-based organisations, awareness campaigns and her numerous extra-curricular activities have molded her into the delightful, considerate and socially conscious individual that she is today. Having been diagnosed with scoliosis and following her posterior spinal fusion in 2011, she has partaken in voluntary peer support at the Children’s Westmead Hospital, providing children with the same condition, both emotional and physical support through her own personal experience. Her consistent visits to the local Aged Care Centre have definitely inspired her decision to become a doctor. Her dedication to these visits and the care she exhibits is displayed through the obvious enjoyment patients portray from the conversations highlighting the importance of caring for the emotional as well as the physical needs of the patients. She continues to exhibit admirable communication skills through her active involvement in both Public Speaking and debating competitions, and her leadership potential has grown through her experience as a Peer Support Leader, and through her paid employment. Having personally experienced both Shobiga’s persistence and strength of character within both her school and work environments, I believe that Shobiga is a wonderful additional to teamwork.

Shobiga throughout her schooling career was a dedicated student, exhibited in her outstanding achievements in academics. She was selected and successfully completed accelerated HSC subjects of Chemistry and Tamil Continuers over 2012 and 2013. She showcased her diligence through her active involvement in Science Olympiads, obtaining certificates of High Distinction and on many occasions has astounded me with her particular fascination and knowledge regarding cardiovascular diseases. She has often consulted me regarding biological concepts and medical ethics, outside of her schoolwork in order to further her understanding. She continues to outperform in all her selected HSC subjects. Thus, I strongly believe that you will be delighted to provide her with an opportunity to continue her highly motivated studies at your university and become a successful doctor.

Hence, I highly recommend Shobiga Sarvananda without reservation. Please feel free to contact me on (02) 9636 6244, if you require any further information.

Yours Sincerely,

Dr Chitra Harinesan