World first: Triplets become doctors

15 December 2004

Sydney triplets made medical history on Friday 10 December, when they become doctors at a ceremony at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). This is the first recorded instance of a set of triplets graduating together as medical practitioners anywhere in the world.

"We just generally end up doing the same thing. That is probably why we all decided to choose medicine," said one of the triplets, 24-year-old Tamara Preda. "We don't go out of our way to do different things, just to distinguish ourselves. It is more of a co-incidence that we like the same things."

"There are lots of doctors in our family," said Veronica, the non-identical sister in the group. "Mum and Dad are both doctors as well as some of our aunties and uncles. In a way, that has helped because we had some insight about what might be involved, before we started the program."

During their six years of study at UNSW, the triplets all spent time working at St Vincent's Hospital, as well as completing postings at the same hospitals in the United States and Germany.

"We try not to broadcast that we are triplets," said Martina. "We work separately. We prefer to be seen as individuals. People think we are quite similar, but people who know us better know we are quite different."

As well as studying and socialising together, the triplets share a part-time job, a car and even a mobile phone.

They will move out of home for the first time next year, to be closer to Liverpool hospital, where they will do their internship.

"This is a special moment for the Faculty as well as the family," said Acting Dean of Medicine, Professor Richard Henry. "The triplets are three of the 169 undergraduates who will become doctors today. Well done to all of them."

Media contact: To arrange interview and photograph opportunities contact Susi Hamilton, UNSW Media Office, tel. 9385 1583 or 0422 934 024.