FOR Robert Holian choosing a career in medicine was a ‘no brainer’ after painfully watching close family members battle with cancer.

The 2008 VCE graduate received his first round offer studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine at Melbourne University last week.

The Westbourne Grammar School pupil said the doctors that aided his family inspired him to select the higher education course.

“It’s quite a sobering thought that these people can keep others alive and healthy,” Robert said.

His father struggled with cancer for two years.

“He had prostate and bowel cancer and then it moved into the lungs and liver,” he said.

Robert’s grandfather had pancreatic cancer, lung cancer and is now undergoing radiology for mouth cancer.

“We have been through the wars, this family,” he said.

“I might look into being part of a research team that finds ways of treating the disease.

“At the moment I’m just trying to keep my options open.

“Going to university won’t be a chore and I can’t wait to start.”

Robert said despite receiving an enter of 97.9 he was still nervous about his university prospects.

“The clearly in was 95 but you always have the butterflies in your stomach,” he said.

The Hoppers Crossing resident’s VCE subjects included music group performance, English, maths methods, specialist maths, German and chemistry.

“I made sure I threw myself head first and in the end it became an experience I really treasured,” he said.

His school involvement spanned class captaincy, debating, choir and musicals.

“At times it was stressful because I had a lot on my plate,” he said.

Robert said the VCE system was a fair way to grade more than 39,000 Victorians.

“It allows you to pick different subjects and to play to your strengths,” he said. “It comes down to how much work you are willing to put in.”