Meet our 2026 Medical Research Student Scholarship recipient

As part of our commitment to health education, the Clifford Craig Foundation is proud to support an annual Medical Student Research Scholarship, valued at $12,000 across 2026 and 2027. Daniel Kim is the third recipient of the scholarship.

The scholarship is aimed at providing a fourth-year medical student with the necessary financial support to undertake a designated independent research project at the Launceston Clinical School and Launceston General Hospital.   

Each year we are inspired by the stories of the life-changing impact the scholarships have on a student’s educational journey, as they embark on the next step towards a future in medicine.

Q&A with Daniel Kim

Daniel, tell us first about where you grew up, your active lifestyle and your early introduction to the idea of studying medicine.

 I grew up in Townsville, and was very active in school rowing which is where I met some medical families and started taking an interest in medicine as a career pathway.

Your medical journey to UTAS wasn’t straightforward – you nearly ended up in Adelaide! What ultimately convinced you to choose Tasmania, and how has that decision shaped your experience?

Tasmania came highly recommended by friends studying a year ahead of me, so I applied straight away. As it happens with degree offers though, Adelaide got in first so it’s a tricky balancing act of waiting for other offers to come in before accepting. Luckily for me, University of Tasmania came through with an offer and I decided to divert my plans to start my degree here in Tasmania.

You’ve spoken about meeting “the right people at the right time” here studying medicine in Tasmania. How did those early connections influence your interest in orthopaedics and research?

 I’ve been very lucky on placement with the quality of mentorship, and the set up of the Launceston Clinical School within the Launceston General Hospital precinct means there’s close ties with clinicians constantly. I know being involved in medical research gives me an edge career-wise so I’m grateful to have this opportunity to build my skills in this area.

How do you manage the competing demands of medical school, clinical placements, and committing to a research project?

 It’s a challenge if I’m honest! Being involved in rowing from a young age has taught me the early bird gets the worm, so I’m at the Launceston Clinical School nice and early most mornings to get a head start on my studies alongside placements and my research project. It doesn’t leave much room for the regular university social life but I still enjoy taking time out on weekends for exploring Tassie - Bruny Island is a favourite location so far.

Looking ahead to your upcoming rotations and conference presentation aspirations, what do you hope to gain from this next stage of your medical training?

Building on my networks and learning from experienced clinicians is my main focus at the moment. I do have aspirations to present at the national conference if an invitation comes my way I’ll jump on it, but it is competitive.

What message do you have for Clifford Craig Foundation donors helping to fund this Medical Student Research Scholarship?

I’m so incredibly grateful for your support and belief in me - thank you! This opportunity will really uplift my research skills and open doors for future opportunities. I’ll take every chance to keep involved in the Foundation and give back where I can; from offering research updates to one day when I’ve built up experience, mentoring other young people following this path.