Rylie Franke wants to become a cardiac surgeon, and a service club wants to help

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Rylie Franke has just finished 13 years of schooling, but he’s still only halfway to his dream career.

The Unity College graduate is aiming high: he wants to become a cardiac surgeon, saving lives in an operating theatre.

A passion for medicine runs in the family.

“My pop, he’s (done) 47 years of service for SA Ambulance, so I’ve got big shoes to fill there,” Rylie said.

“I’ve had some family involvement … helping heaps of people in the cardiac ward, I’ve seen all that so I want to help out in that area.

“It’s a pretty cool body system.”

The pathway to his goal will be a long one: three years of paramedicine at Flinders University, then a four-year doctorate in medicine, then five to seven years of cardiology after that.

Thankfully, a Murray Bridge service club has stepped into help with the first step of the journey.

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The local branch of Soroptimist International named Rylie its 35th annual scholarship recipient last Thursday night.

The club granted him $2000 to spend as he saw fit, in support of his studies.

Soroptimist Robin Wilson wished him the utmost success.

“Rylie displays the all-round attributes we look for when interviewing applicants,” she said.

“He displays sound leadership skills and has had success at both academic and sporting endeavours, plus a very strong work ethic and a community focus.

“With all this going on, he’s still described as humble and kind.”

Soroptimist International Murray Bridge has given 35 scholarships to first-year university students over the years, including two to GPs now working in the community.

• More information: Visit www.sisa.org.au or search for Soroptimist International Murray Bridge on Facebook.