The Joseph Epstein Prize is awarded to the highest scoring candidate at the Primary Viva Examination. The 2021.2 examination was sat by 251 candidates across six locations: Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
Prize-winner Isabella spent nine months actively preparing for the exam, using a combination of solo-study, study groups, and dedicated Primary Exam teaching sessions. She said, “I started studying at the end of January, for the written exam in August. Then I had to consolidate all that knowledge for the Viva Examination. The Viva itself is over so quickly and it’s so hard to know how you’ve performed when you walk out.”
Originally from Brisbane, Isabella was working in Darwin when she found out she had passed. “I was moving house. I had the removalists there, packing boxes and a friend texted to let me know that the results had come through. I was so relieved that I passed.”
It was almost two weeks later when she found out she’d won the Joseph Epstein Prize. “I was sitting on my own in a café. I remember checking my phone and saying the words ‘No way!’ aloud – louder than I’d thought as a few heads turned my way. I was surprised and so happy, then the rest is really a blur.”
Isabella was grateful for all the support she received, “I have a great group of friends who helped me study – whether that was over Zoom before work or over dinner in a friend’s loungeroom. It’s been really wonderful.”
Once the packing is done, she is looking forward to working at the Queensland Children’s Hospital in the Emergency Department. “Darwin is a beautiful place to live and work. It’s been a rewarding experience and I’ve loved my time in the Top End. But I’m also excited about the move. It will be a challenge, but I can’t wait. I’m looking forward to gaining more knowledge and clinical skills.”
Moving house, studying and working requires juggling and Isabella seems to have found the balance. "I plan my time so that I have intense study with adventures in between. Being outside and surrounded by nature is important to me. The exam prep takes up a significant amount of time and mental-space, so I think it’s important to still find the time for things that matter to you.”
The Joseph Epstein Prize consists of a bronze medal and a certificate and is named after former College President Associate Professor Joseph Epstein who oversaw the introduction of the first Primary Examination during the term of his presidency from 1988 to 1992. The 2021 Joseph Epstein Prize will be awarded at the annual College Ceremony.