From Music Rooms to Medicine – Steph van der Moezel
When Steph graduated in 2007, she did not have a set career path mapped out, and that was completely okay. Fast-forward to now, and she is a qualified GP, a mum of three, and someone who truly lives out the value of lifelong learning.
After leaving school, Steph spent six years studying medicine at UWA, graduating in 2013. She completed her internship and then two more resident years at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Joondalup Health Campus before diving into GP training in 2017.
“GP training is usually three years full-time,” Steph explains. “But I did it part-time and took three lots of maternity leave, so I wrapped it up in 2023.”
That’s no small feat. On top of the day-to-day juggle, she also had to sit two written exams and an oral exam.
“Studying whilst pregnant and with children, plus completing exams with small babies has been one of my biggest career challenges to date,” she shares honestly.
A Career Full of Variety – and Heart
Becoming a GP wasn’t always the plan. “It crossed my mind in early high school,” Steph says, “but I was interested in so many different subjects.” At one point she considered teaching. At another, she nearly studied mathematics. It wasn’t until Year 12 that things started to fall into place.
“I knew I wanted a future job that was dynamic, challenging, and different every single day, that’s what drew me to medicine.”
And why general practice?
“I tossed up a lot of other specialties, but being a GP means you get to build a long-term relationship with someone. You know the full context of their family and life. It is such a privilege – and honestly, it’s both the biggest reward and the biggest challenge.”
A Day in the Life
So, what does a day in the life of Dr Steph look like?
“Most mornings, I get to work early to check results and action anything urgent before appointments start,” she explains. “Then I see patients all day, usually from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm, with a break at lunch to catch up with colleagues.”
Steph sees about 25 patients a day, and while she enjoys all areas of general medicine, her focus is largely on women’s and children’s health, along with mental health support.
“After my last patient, I follow up calls and more results. And then… there’s still learning! Evenings and days off often involve webinars or online courses to keep up to date and meet our professional development requirements.”
Music Rooms, French Lessons & Bus Rides
Some of Steph’s most vivid memories of Santa Maria are not tied to classrooms at all, they are in the music rooms.
“I spent so much time in concert band, choir, and other ensembles. I loved hanging out with girls from different year groups, the Music Department was such a special part of my school life.”
And of course, who could forget Madame McPherson?
“She had such a love of teaching us French, I’ll never forget that” Steph smiles.
With two younger sisters also attending the College, even the simple things became meaningful. “Getting the bus home with them is now a really fun memory.”
Life Beyond the Clinic
When she is not in doctor mode, Steph’s all about the outdoors and spending time with her family.
“We love going on picnics by the river, walking or riding bikes. And of course, being a mum of three young kids keeps me busy! Travelling and trying new food is another big family passion.”
Words of Wisdom
If there is one piece of advice Steph would give to students today, it is this:
“Know what your personal values and priorities are and make decisions based on that. Worry less about what others think.”
Well said, Steph. We are proud to call you a Santa Maria graduate!
- AlumniStories, Featured, LifelongLearning, MedicalCareer, SantaMariaCollege, SantaMariaSuccessStories, StephanieVanderMoezel, WomenInMedicine, WorkingMums
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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