Tahlia Utz achieves goal of getting into ANU to study medicine after battling cancer at 16

A teenager who battled through a devastating cancer diagnosis received massive news this week, proving anything is possible, no matter your circumstances. See what has happened here.

A teenager who fought through hell and back for the life she wanted has received life-changing news ahead of her high-school graduation.

St Joseph’s College student Tahlia Utz received an early offer to undergo a Bachelor of Health science at the Australian National University in 2023, a year after going into remission for lung cancer.

At 16 years old, Ms Utz underwent two surgeries and a round of chemotherapy after she was diagnosed with a carcinoid lung tumour.

St Joseph's College Toowoomba career development practitioner Maree Harman and assistant principal religious education Kellie-Marie Ford are thrilled for year 12 student Tahlia Utz after she was accepted to ANU to study medicine. Thursday, September 8, 2022. Picture: Morgan Burley

During her cancer battle, Ms Utz had more than two-thirds of her right lung removed, as well as multiple lymph nodes and a section of her heart lining.

But that didn’t stop her achieving her dreams and being accepted to ANU on her road to becoming a doctor.

“This is an absolute dream. When I saw the (letter of offer) email on my phone, I was very shocked and really excited,” she said.

“It was difficult, but I’ve always been one of those to strive towards my goals. Even going through chemo, I kept studying and working hard.

“I didn’t miss an assignment or an exam and I pushed through.”

Despite her own medical experience, Ms Utz has dreamt of her career path since Kindergarten, and has consistently striven to reach her dreams.

Toowoomba teenager Tahlia Utz never stopped fighting for her dreams, despite receiving a cancer diagnosis in 2020. Thursday, September 8, 2022. Picture: supplied.

St Joseph's College student Tahlia Utz received and early offer to ANU to study a Bachelor of Health science in 2023. Thursday, September 8, 2022. Picture: supplied.

Hoping to work within paediatric medicine, Ms Utz said she also hoped to specialise in respiratory.

“Instead of saying I want to be a ballerina when I grow up, I was always like, I want to be a doctor,” she said.

“I think I’ll be able to understand it more on a personal level and I think that will help me with the bedside manner and all those things you like to see when you go to the hospital.

“It’s always a bit of a scary experience, so you want the kind and sympathetic energy around you.”

Cancer survivor, school captain and now future doctor Tahlia Utz is thrilled to have received an early offer to ANU to study a Bachelor of Health science. Thursday, September 8, 2022. Picture: Morgan Burley

St Joseph’s career development practitioner Maree Harman said she was “thrilled to bits” for the student she had known since year 7.

“She’s worked so hard and faced so many challenges leading up to this moment,” she said.

“To see her celebrate and see her share her excitement about receiving the early offer is a wonderful moment and one to treasure.”

Assistant principal religious education Kellie-Marie Ford said the school held immense pride for Ms Utz and it was incredible to see her reach for her goals.

“She’s a wonderful role model to younger students and always have been during her time here,” Mrs Harman said.

“It’s a wonderful example of someone who has shown great perseverance and persistence to get to where you want to be.”