AMA WA Gold Medal for Letisha Carozza
We are proud to shine a spotlight on Letisha Carozza (Class of 2016), who was recently awarded the AMA WA Gold Medal Prize for Best Student at the University of Notre Dame.
It is an extraordinary achievement. Yet for Letisha, it is also something deeply personal.
“I felt incredibly honoured to receive the AMA (WA) Gold Medal Prize. It was a really affirming moment particularly because medicine can be such a long and demanding journey and you don’t often stop to reflect on how far you’ve come. Personally, it felt like a full-circle moment. Thinking back to when I first began my journey at university, 18-year-old me would never have imagined making it through Medical School let alone achieving an award.”
Professionally, the award carries weight and responsibility.
“For me, this recognition meant a great deal because it represented the support, mentorship and encouragement I’d received along the way from my family, peers and teachers. Professionally, it was a reminder of the responsibility to the community that comes with a medical professional. In particular, to continue striving for excellence, to practise with integrity and compassion and to contribute meaningfully to the profession.”
A Journey That Was Not Straightforward
Like many students, Letisha left Santa Maria unsure of her exact path. With her love of human biology, she enrolled in Physiotherapy at Notre Dame. She thrived in anatomy classes, hospital placements and patient care. Still, something in her heart told her there was more to explore.
After graduating, she applied for Medicine and did not get in.
“I was so incredibly devastated. But when I look back, it turned out to be one of the best things that happened to me.”
During that year, she worked in private practice and volunteered as a physiotherapist at St Patrick’s Community Support Centre, supporting homeless patients. That experience reinforced her understanding of health inequity and strengthened her commitment to service.
The second time she applied for Medicine, she was accepted. “I finally got in and cried happy tears.”
Moments That Shape a Calling
Letisha recalls two patients who deeply shaped her love for healthcare. A 13 year old non-verbal girl with cerebral palsy, who she helped take her first few steps. And a woman in her 60s living with Myasthenia Gravis.
“I was emotionally impacted by these patients. They taught me so much about chronic disability and it felt special to be able to make the slightest positive impact.”
Today, working in the Emergency Department just six weeks into her internship, she says with certainty, “I can honestly and certainly say I am so incredibly happy with this decision.”
Grounded in Family and Faith
Throughout the long and demanding years of study, Letisha remained grounded by family, particularly sharing the journey with her sister Taylah as they completed their medical degrees together.
“Sharing a desk and watching her study so hard really pushed me.”
She also made space for the things that matter. Family dinners, music events, Pilates classes, time in nature. A reminder that excellence and balance can walk hand in hand.
Reflecting on her time at Santa Maria, Letisha shares:
“I felt truly supported at SMC. Teachers were kind, considerate and encouraging. If there was something you were passionate about, teachers really gave you the opportunity to thrive in that area.”
Her story is one of perseverance, courage and service. It is a reminder to our current students and alumni that the path may not always be direct, but purpose, compassion and hard work lead to extraordinary places.
We congratulate Letisha on this outstanding achievement and look forward to watching the difference she will continue to make in our world.
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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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