Alumni Award Recipient: Gai Porh La Myint

Born in Myanmar, GP fled the country with her family at just two years old, spending the next decade in a refugee camp where access to clean water, healthcare and education was extremely limited. “It was very challenging because, as you would imagine, basic necessity wasn't really there,” she recalls. “A lot of people got sick when we arrived in the refugee camp.”

At age 12 she arrived in Bendigo – speaking no English. She relied on supportive teachers, translators, and the local Karen community to adjust to a completely new way of life. The Karen are an ethnic group from Myanmar and Thailand that have been displaced by decades of civil conflict. Many Karen people have resettled in Bendigo for safety, opportunity, and a sense of community. “Obviously, the lifestyle, the homes and the healthcare system was completely different,” says GP.

A new beginning

Determined to build a better future, GP went on to study a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) graduating in 2019. “My mum and my uncle brought us here, and they sacrificed a lot for us to have a better life,” she says. “So me and my brother had our hearts set on graduating from university.” By studying locally at La Trobe’s Bendigo campus, she could also stay close to family while pursuing her passion for healthcare, making it the perfect fit.

While she was studying, both her mum and grandmother were treated at Bendigo Health – forging another important community connection. After graduating, she secured an internship at the hospital, which led to her substantive role there as a pharmacist.

"Ever since my mum’s illness, I knew I wanted to give back. Now that I’ve qualified and have become a pharmacist, I love every minute of it.”

Hear from GP

Bridging cultures through care

Now a pharmacist with five years’ experience, her role extends far beyond dispensing medications. She ensures treatments are safe and appropriate, enabling other healthcare staff, and most importantly – she's a vital support to her patients.

Fluent in Karen and English, she is able to translate complex medical information for the Karen community, and help more patients understand their treatment. “A pharmacist isn't really a job in my community,” says GP. “They think, oh, you just sell drugs? Sure. We sell drugs – the legal ones. But also, we do so much more,” she laughs.

“Currently I'm doing an oncology, hematology and renal rotations. I have my own patient load. But whenever there is a Karen patient admitted to the hospital, it makes me very excited to be able to help. For me to explain it to them in their language really puts a smile on their face.”

Celebrating identity and connection

Outside of work, she is an influential leader within Bendigo’s Karen community. She volunteers her time helping community members with everyday tasks, from making phone calls to navigating the Australian immigration, government and healthcare systems.

She also helps organise cultural events and festivals, like Songkran the annual Water Festival, and designs modern interpretations of traditional Karen clothing, encouraging younger generations to stay connected to their heritage. “I love being able to make the traditional outfits and showcase them. To me it is a reflection of who I am.”

GP’s journey highlights the powerful role education can play in creating opportunities and building local community. As Bendigo has embraced GP and her family, she’s been enabled to support others and ensure more patients feel seen, heard, and understood. Through her deep commitment to giving back, GP continues to strengthen her community, Bendigo and beyond.

GP completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) (2020) at La Trobe University Bendigo.