Dr Tahira Bhatti Inspires Year 12 Human Biology Students
There’s something special about learning from someone who has walked the same halls as you. Our Year 12 General Human Biology students had the chance to do just that when Dr Tahira Bhatti, a Santa Maria College alumni from the Class of 2003, returned to share her journey.
Now a GP Obstetrician, Dr Bhatti specialises in women’s health, including antenatal and postnatal care, gynaecology, menopause clinics, and delivering babies at Armadale Hospital.
Her visit showed our students what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
A Real-World Look at Pregnancy and Neonatal Care
Dr Bhatti took students through the different stages of pregnancy, highlighting how early screenings, maternal health, and medical interventions play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of both mother and baby. But she didn’t just explain it, she made it real.
Paige, a Year 12 student, found the session eye-opening: “Dr Bhatti gave us a whole new perspective on pregnancy and birth. I never realised just how many factors go into making sure both mum and baby are safe.”
The students were particularly fascinated by the neonatal period, the first 28 days of a newborn’s life, where medical professionals work around the clock in NICUs (Neonatal Intensive Care Units) to support premature or at-risk infants.
More Than Science - The Human Side of Medicine
Beyond the medical facts, Tahira shared what it’s really like to work in obstetrics. She spoke about the highs and lows, being part of the happiest moments in people’s lives, but also helping families through the tough times.
Amelia, another student, reflected: “It made me realise that medicine isn’t just about treatments and procedures, it’s about caring for people. Seeing real medical tools like forceps and vacuum extractors helped me understand just how hands-on this job is.”
Dr Bhatti’s talk reinforced that medicine is as much about empathy and resilience as it is about knowledge and skill.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Healthcare Professionals
For many students, this was a moment of inspiration. Whether they’re considering careers in medicine, nursing, midwifery, or research, Dr Bhatti’s journey showed them how dedication and perseverance can lead to a truly rewarding career.
Dr Bhatti’s visit was the perfect example of how real-world experiences can shape future aspirations.
Thank You, Dr Bhatti!
We’re incredibly grateful to Dr Bhatti for taking the time to share her knowledge and experiences with our Human Biology students. Her visit was a reminder that learning doesn’t just happen in classrooms, it happens through connections, stories, and seeing role models in action.
We look forward to welcoming more guest speakers who help bring learning to life at our College.
- alumni, BringingLearningToLife, Featured, HumanBiology, Medicine, science, WomenInMedicine, Year12Students
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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