Michael Flint attended the College in 1980 and said it was his teachers who inspired him to chase his dreams in medicine. From a young age, Michael was interested in sports and sporting injuries. He said Saint Kentigern opened his eyes to many opportunities.
‘The teachers I had were very encouraging and pushed me to achieve more than I thought I was capable of. They widened my aspirations and pushed me to strive for excellence, which is one of the reasons I do what I do today.’
Today, Michael is an Orthopaedic Surgeon at MercyAscot. Following his time at the College, he attended The University of Auckland Medical School from 1987 to 1992. After graduating, Michael furthered his study at FRACS Orthopaedics before traveling to the University of Toronto in 2003, to complete his Postgrad studies in Orthopaedic Fellowship, Adult Joint Reconstruction / Musculoskeletal Oncology.
Michael said he loves being a surgeon and he encourages all students who have the desire to become one to chase their dreams. ‘It is hard work but, anything of value, you have to work hard. Even though it does seem daunting, the reward is amazing. All you need is application, knowing what you want to do and always looking for ways to improve’.
Michael said students should take science during their schooling years if they wish to do medicine, but he also says it is important to have other interests. ‘I think it is essential to not think of medicine as a scientific career because it’s not, it’s a people-orientated career with science. Do other things like languages and history as it makes you a better and more rounded doctor.’
