Healthcare heroes kicking goals with the Medtildas
Three of our doctors are currently starring in the 2024 World Medical Football Championships. It’s the first time that Australia has fielded a women’s team – known as the Medtildas – for the supercharged soccer tournament.
The event sees teams of medical professionals from all around the world come together to compete, with this year’s event being hosted by Australia for the first time.
General surgery registrar Dr Jessica Au, one of three Alfred Health employees representing the Medtildas, says the opportunity to connect with fellow healthcare workers from all stages of their careers is a particular highlight.
“It’s really interesting that we've got such a complete mix,” Jess said. “We’ve got people just at the beginning of their medical journey, people later in their journey.
“It's really good to just be in an environment with people you normally work with in the hospital, but in a much more low-risk setting where you’re having fun and kicking a ball around.”
The Medtildas Green side have started the tournament particularly strongly, having lost only one game and being led by a stunning six goals for Jess so far, with Alfred Critical Care Resident Dr Laura Sofoulis having also scored three of her own.
“The team vibe has been brilliant so far and the girls are all pretty pumped for the next few games and finals,” Jess said. “To be victorious would be such an amazing feeling because we would be the inaugural winners of the tournament as the host nation, which would be a nice touch.
“But, we won’t be getting ahead of ourselves yet.”
Good luck Jess and all the Medtildas!
