Rebuilding Lives: The Journey of Dr. Jasmina Kevric
A Routine in the Operating Theatre
As Dr. Jasmina Kevric prepares for yet another surgery at Cabrini Hospital in Melbourne, the gravity of her routine as a specialized breast surgeon reflects a story of resilience and determination. With 20 years of hardship and perseverance behind her, Kevric’s journey from a teenage refugee to a respected surgeon is anything but ordinary. “Being a refugee is incredibly difficult. Nobody wants to be sent to another country away from their home, their loved ones, their work, their passions,” she shares, encapsulating the essence of her experiences.
Childhood in a War-Torn Land
Dr. Kevric’s roots trace back to Bosnia and Herzegovina, a nation engulfed in war from 1992 to 1995. Despite her childhood dreams of becoming a doctor, her early life was drastically transformed by conflict. She remembers the harrowing day a missile shattered the tranquility of her family farm with chilling clarity:
"I was standing in the middle of our yard when I heard a missile fall… the next moment, I heard a huge bang, and splinters flew towards me. Inside our damaged home, most of my family was lying on the floor and not moving."
This traumatic event ignited a desire to help others, planting the seeds of her medical ambitions.
From Chaos to Courage
After surviving the war alongside her parents and younger brother, they fled to Germany as refugees. Living there for four years, they faced food shortages and limited education. Jasmina’s parents provided her with homeschooling, but the uncertainty regarding their future weighed heavily. Describing their perilous journey, she says, “Getting into a truck to cross the border took courage and was quite dangerous. It could spell life or death for us.”
Despite these challenges, they later arrived in Australia in 1999 with hopes of building a new life. The transition was marked by excitement and trepidation, as Jasmina entered Year 7 without knowing English, facing the daunting task of catching up on a lost childhood education.
Navigating the Labor Market as a Refugee
The journey of refugees often encounters barriers in the labor market. A report highlighted the phenomenon of "occupational downgrading" faced by many refugees arriving in Australia. Despite holding professional roles in their home countries, many find themselves unable to secure positions that reflect their qualifications and skills. Dr. Kevric stands as an exception in her quest for success, but she is acutely aware of the struggles that others endure.
Research indicates that over 30% of employed women and 19% of men with prior professional experience have experienced significant downgrades in their occupational status, with many turning to lower-skilled jobs or self-employment.
A New Beginning in Australia
In Australia, Dr. Kevric made remarkable strides, ultimately earning a scholarship to study medicine at the University of Melbourne, where she graduated in 2010. The path to becoming a surgeon was laden with sacrifices, demanding countless hours of studying and unwavering dedication.
In 2021, she completed her surgical training, embarking on a three-year fellowship in breast surgery at esteemed cancer centers. In recognition of her dedication, she received the prestigious Junior Doctor of the Year award from the Australian Medical Association in 2022.
Giving Back to the Community
Today, Dr. Kevric extends her expertise beyond the operating theatre by volunteering at the Cabrini Asylum Seeker and Refugee Health Hub in Melbourne. This initiative provides crucial healthcare services to asylum seekers and refugees who cannot afford mainstream services. "I feel incredibly proud and privileged to be able to reach this point and provide the support that refugee patients need," she affirms.
Professor Suresh Sundram, clinical director of the health hub, notes the unique value of healthcare professionals like Dr. Kevric. Their lived experiences foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by refugees, including trauma and limited language skills.
Embracing the Future
Now settled in Australia with her husband and four-year-old daughter, Dr. Kevric is committed to raising awareness about the challenges refugees face. She advocates for recognition of the immense potential they hold, saying, “I want to remind people about the potential that refugees bring to this country. They may be Australia’s future doctors, lawyers, or politicians.”
Her journey stood testament to resilience and hope, emphasizing that by working together, society can enhance its richness and diversity. As Refugee Week approaches, Dr. Kevric imparts a powerful message: Every refugee story has the potential to contribute positively to a new community.
