Focus on the BIG picture.
Sunday, Jun 15, 2025
Outside the box.
Refugee Journey: Dr. Jasmina Kevric's Path from Trauma to Triumph
As a specialist surgeon in Melbourne, Dr. Kevric embodies the resilience of refugees overcoming significant barriers in Australia.
Dr. Jasmina Kevric, a specialized surgeon at Melbourne's Cabrini Hospital, prepares for surgery on a breast cancer patient, having honed her craft through a two-decade journey marked by adversity and perseverance.
Arriving in Australia as a teenage refugee in 1999 with her family, Dr. Kevric's ascent in the medical field is a testament to her dedication and resilience.
Dr. Kevric fled the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina during a conflict from 1992 to 1995 that resulted in the deaths of over 100,000 people.
She vividly recalls the traumatic experience when a missile struck their family farm, injuring her relatives and instilling in her the desire to help others.
After enduring significant loss, including treasured family photographs left behind, Dr. Kevric's family initially sought refuge in Germany before moving to Australia.
The transition was fraught with challenges, including the language barrier and the struggle to adapt to a new educational system.
Despite these difficulties, she secured a scholarship to study medicine at the University of Melbourne, graduating in 2010.
Following her medical training, Dr. Kevric faced substantial obstacles in her pursuit to become a surgeon—particularly as a woman in a male-dominated field.
She achieved her goal in 2021, becoming a general surgeon, and subsequently undertook a fellowship in breast surgery.
Her remarkable accomplishments were recognized when she received the Junior Doctor of the Year title at the Australian Medical Association Victoria awards in 2022.
A recent report highlights the challenges many refugees face in Australia, with many experiencing what is termed "occupational downgrade." This situation particularly affects women, with statistics indicating that over two-thirds of women who held managerial or professional roles in their home countries are not employed in Australia.
The report surveyed 2,400 humanitarian migrants, revealing that many have resorted to self-employment or entrepreneurship due to obstacles in having their qualifications recognized.
At the Cabrini Asylum Seeker and Refugee Health Hub, where she volunteers, Dr. Kevric provides healthcare to those facing complex health challenges and language barriers.
This facility exemplifies the commitment to supporting refugees, offering free medical services to those who cannot access mainstream healthcare.
Professor Suresh Sundram, who oversees the hub, acknowledges the importance of professionals like Dr. Kevric, who can relate to the unique struggles of refugees.
Dr. Kevric, now married with a young daughter, emphasizes her commitment to giving back to Australia, the country that provided her family with a second chance.
She advocates for increased recognition of the potential refugees possess to contribute positively to society.
As one of the voices for the refugee community, she seeks to illuminate the journey many endure in the hope of rebuilding their lives after the trauma of displacement.
Arriving in Australia as a teenage refugee in 1999 with her family, Dr. Kevric's ascent in the medical field is a testament to her dedication and resilience.
Dr. Kevric fled the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina during a conflict from 1992 to 1995 that resulted in the deaths of over 100,000 people.
She vividly recalls the traumatic experience when a missile struck their family farm, injuring her relatives and instilling in her the desire to help others.
After enduring significant loss, including treasured family photographs left behind, Dr. Kevric's family initially sought refuge in Germany before moving to Australia.
The transition was fraught with challenges, including the language barrier and the struggle to adapt to a new educational system.
Despite these difficulties, she secured a scholarship to study medicine at the University of Melbourne, graduating in 2010.
Following her medical training, Dr. Kevric faced substantial obstacles in her pursuit to become a surgeon—particularly as a woman in a male-dominated field.
She achieved her goal in 2021, becoming a general surgeon, and subsequently undertook a fellowship in breast surgery.
Her remarkable accomplishments were recognized when she received the Junior Doctor of the Year title at the Australian Medical Association Victoria awards in 2022.
A recent report highlights the challenges many refugees face in Australia, with many experiencing what is termed "occupational downgrade." This situation particularly affects women, with statistics indicating that over two-thirds of women who held managerial or professional roles in their home countries are not employed in Australia.
The report surveyed 2,400 humanitarian migrants, revealing that many have resorted to self-employment or entrepreneurship due to obstacles in having their qualifications recognized.
At the Cabrini Asylum Seeker and Refugee Health Hub, where she volunteers, Dr. Kevric provides healthcare to those facing complex health challenges and language barriers.
This facility exemplifies the commitment to supporting refugees, offering free medical services to those who cannot access mainstream healthcare.
Professor Suresh Sundram, who oversees the hub, acknowledges the importance of professionals like Dr. Kevric, who can relate to the unique struggles of refugees.
Dr. Kevric, now married with a young daughter, emphasizes her commitment to giving back to Australia, the country that provided her family with a second chance.
She advocates for increased recognition of the potential refugees possess to contribute positively to society.
As one of the voices for the refugee community, she seeks to illuminate the journey many endure in the hope of rebuilding their lives after the trauma of displacement.
