Batalibasi graduates with MBBS despite COVID-19 challenges

Solomon Islander Jeremy Luis Batalibasi celebrated a major milestone when he graduated from the Fiji National University with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) after six challenging years of theoretical and practical studies.

Mr Batalibasi, 25, lost his father when he was 18, but family support and self-determination were key to completing the rigorous programme.

“One of the biggest challenges was homesickness,” Mr Batalibasi said.

“I was part of the COVID-19 batch, so adjusting to remote learning and isolation was tough. Without my friends, teachers, and family support, settling into a new environment was much harder.”

He almost took a break during his studies but chose to push through. “I just told myself to keep going. In the end, it all paid off,” the new graduate said.

Coming from a family of medical professionals, he was inspired by his parents’ dedication to helping others.

His father, also a doctor, passed away before he began his studies, while his mother is a retired paediatric nurse.

“I wanted to help people the way my parents did,” he said. “That was my motivation to pursue medicine.”

He is the youngest of five siblings, several of whom are graduates in fields such as civil engineering and tourism.

He encouraged other aspiring medical students not to give up and to realise that determination is just as important as intelligence.

“You don’t have to start out perfect or exceptionally smart,” he said. “If you are determined and ready to work hard, you will succeed.”

Mr Batalibasi thanked his family, friends, and course coordinators for supporting him throughout his journey.