Medical Students Awarded Inaugural Jake Robinson Medical Scholarship

University of Notre Dame Australia medical students Ramona Khanlu and Robiel Abraham have been named the inaugural recipients of The Jake Robinson Medical Scholarship.

The prestigious new scholarship was established by Martin and Debra Robinson in honour of their son, Jake, whose life was dedicated to helping others.

Awarded to students at Notre Dame’s Fremantle Campus, the scholarship supports those with a strong interest in caring and ethical medicine, with a particular emphasis on compassionate patient care and a future contribution to cardiac medicine.

Ramona said she was honoured to be one of the first recipients and described receiving the scholarship in Jake’s name as deeply meaningful.

“I am so grateful and excited to be one of the inaugural scholarship recipients, and I am proud to play a small part in continuing Jake’s legacy,” she said.

“I feel a strong sense of responsibility to make the most of this opportunity and to embody the values this scholarship represents.”

Ramona said the financial support would ease some of the pressure of studying medicine and allow her to focus more fully on her studies.

Robiel also said he was honoured to receive the scholarship.

“It is a privilege to be one of the inaugural recipients of the Jake Robinson Medical Scholarship,” he said.

“This support will be incredibly helpful as I continue my medical studies.”

He said the connection to Jake Robinson, a Notre Dame alumnus, made the award particularly significant.

“I hope to carry forward that legacy and use this opportunity to work toward a career that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

Robiel said the scholarship would also help ease the financial challenges of studying medicine and support his interest in cardiology.

National School of Medicine Dean, Professor Rebecca Anglin said she hopes Ramona and Robiel develop into doctors that embody the compassion, integrity and commitment to service that defined Jake’s life and career.

“This scholarship not only honours Jake’s legacy but also supports the development of future doctors who will deliver truly patient-centred care,” Professor Anglin said.

Jake’s parents, Martin and Debra Robinson, said establishing the scholarship was a meaningful way to honour their son’s values while supporting the next generation of compassionate medical professionals.

“The Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation is proud to support two first year medical students at the University of Notre Dame through the Foundation’s scholarship program,” they said.

“We extend our warmest congratulations to Ramona and Robiel and wish them every success as they begin their journey into medicine. The years ahead will bring both challenges and rewards, but we hope they discover the same sense of purpose, compassion and fulfilment that medicine brought to Jake throughout his career.”

Martin and Debra said their son Jake loved helping others and embraced the privilege and responsibility that comes with caring for people in their most difficult moments.

“It is our hope that these scholarships not only support the students in their studies but also inspire them to pursue their careers with kindness, dedication and integrity,” they said.

“We would also like to thank the University of Notre Dame and the many generous donors to the Foundation for supporting and committing to developing the next generation of medical professionals. We wish the students and the university every success for the future.”

The scholarship provides financial assistance throughout the recipients’ first year of full-time medical study, helping to ease financial pressures and support their academic and professional development.