Miss Universe Australia: Qld academics smash stereotypes

Three young Queensland women vying for the local title in the Miss Universe competition have smashed stereotypes with their chosen vocations.

FOR most doctors, international beauty pageants aren’t part of their equation.

But these three Queensland women will ditch the stereotype when they compete at the Miss Universe Australia state final in Brisbane on Thursday.

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“I know it’s very different and you wouldn’t typically get this scenario,” said Amelia Bai, 23, a first-year doctor at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

“But it is a great competition because it promotes positive self-image and being confident in who you are.”

Miss Universe Queensland finalists Johara Pillay, 22, Amelia Bai, 23, and Claire Hogan, 20. Picture: Liam Kidston

Forest Dale’s Johara Pillay, 22, has a masters degree in medical research focusing on cholesterol metabolism, and hopes to study medicine in future.

She was a volunteer bedside play assistant at the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital and liked the idea that this year’s Miss Universe pageant raises funds for ToyBox, a charity supporting sick and disadvantaged children.

Claire Hogan, 22, of the Gold Coast, has a biomedical science degree and hopes to move into medicine.

She said it was something she always wanted to do but didn’t have the confidence.

They are three of 24 Queensland women who will compete in the state final at the Transcontinental Hotel on Thursday.

The national final will be held in Melbourne in June.