Tara Najibi

I am a third-year medical student with a strong passion for surgery and human anatomy, particularly within the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. My interest in plastics was solidified during a recent rotation, where I had the opportunity to observe and scrub into surgeries including simple skin procedures as well as more complicated surgeries such as DIEP free flaps, facial nerve exploration during parotidectomy, and complete neck dissections. I was inspired by the discipline’s unique integration of anatomical complexity, surgical precision, and life-changing functional (as well as aesthetic) restoration.

Being an active member of the academic team at Monash University Surgical Interest Group (MUSIG), I have had the opportunity to explore multiple surgical disciplines and work alongside fellow students, surgical trainees, and consultants. These experiences have reinforced my aspiration to pursue a career in surgery and to engage in initiatives that promote surgical education, technical skills development, and mentorship within the medical student community.

Sir John Monash Scholarship for Excellence (2023-present)

• Awarded based on ATAR

Top 5% academic commendation for second year/ preclinical exams (2024)

• Calculated based on the weighted average mark (WAM) in preclinical years

Top 5% of the cohort academic commendation for first year exams (2023)

Monash Minds Scholarship Program 2023

Monash University Surgical Interest Group (MUSIG) Academic Team (2025)

• Contribute to the creation of academic resources, including anatomy fact sheets, surgical condition summaries, and exam-style practice questions for medical students.
• Assist in the planning and coordination of surgical education events across Melbourne and regional clinical schools.
• Involved in the delivery of flagship initiatives such as surgical skills workshops, the Radiology Lecture Series, and Women in Surgery Night, aimed at promoting surgical education and engagement.

Research (2025)

• Involved in a retrospective study evaluating outcomes in relation to nerve compression related disorders and long term outcomes of surgical decompression and reconstruction of peripheral nerves
• Completed data collection, undertaking literature review and ethics application

Medical Research Students' Society (MRSS) Member and Sponsorship Officer (2025)

• As an active MRSS member, participated in academic workshops and research seminars, contributing to the society’s mission of supporting medical students interested in research.
• Collaborated with fellow committee members to plan and execute events such as research symposiums, journal clubs, and networking nights.
• Coordinated sponsor engagement and created promotional opportunities across events

Operation Smile Monash Fundraising Officer (2025)

• Spearheaded the planning and execution of events and fundraising initiatives, including cocktail nights, bake sales, merchandise drives, and donation campaigns for Operation Smile, a global non-profit organisation that provides free, life-changing cleft lip and palate surgery to children in low- and middle-income countries.
• Collaborated with a multidisciplinary committee to promote Operation Smile’s mission among the student body, contributing to sustained community engagement and advocacy.