From new mother to High Distinctions in Master of Naturopathic Medicine

Published: 13 July 2026

With a newborn in her arms and the demands of motherhood taking centre stage, Brittany Elliott found herself facing a decision that many postgraduate students can relate to.

After becoming unexpectedly unwell during pregnancy in 2024, Brittany had made the difficult choice to pause her Master of Advanced Naturopathic Medicine at Southern Cross University. She had completed almost all of her coursework, leaving only the research component, but questioned whether returning to study was still realistic.

"I even considered exiting early with a Graduate Certificate because it felt like the most practical option at the time," Brittany recalls.

Instead, she gave herself permission to pause.

Then, during the quiet moments of early motherhood, something changed.

"After my son was born, I found myself returning to the idea of finishing. It wasn't one single decision, but a pull I couldn't ignore. I wanted to show my son what perseverance can look like, but I also realised it had to come from something deeper within me - a commitment to myself, and to not letting go of something I had worked so hard for."

Brittany re-enrolled while on maternity leave, balancing sleepless nights and caring for a newborn with the demands of postgraduate research.

"There were many moments of doubt, exhaustion and juggling far more than felt possible," she says. "But I kept going."

Now, with just one unit remaining before completing her degree, Brittany looks back on the journey with immense pride.

Her determination has already been rewarded with High Distinctions in both of her research units - an achievement she describes as one of the proudest moments of her academic career.

Turning personal experience into professional purpose

Brittany's passion for naturopathic medicine was born from her own health experiences. Growing up with recurring episodes of Bell's palsy that never received a definitive explanation sparked a lifelong curiosity about the body's interconnected systems and how they influence health.

"These experiences shaped my desire to understand more about how the interconnected body systems work, naturally gravitating me towards naturopathic medicine."

Since graduating as a naturopath, Brittany has spent several years supporting people living with chronic and complex conditions, particularly those experiencing gut disorders, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), dysautonomia and hypermobility. Alongside clinical practice, she has also worked with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, broadening her understanding of Australia's primary healthcare system and strengthening her interest in evidence-informed, collaborative care.

Wanting to deepen her knowledge and contribute to the future of the profession, Brittany enrolled in Southern Cross University's Master of Advanced Naturopathic Medicine.

"After completing my undergraduate degree, I felt there were still gaps in my knowledge that I wanted to fill," she says.

"I wanted to develop research skills that I could use not only in clinical practice but also to help shape naturopathy as a profession."

Throughout the course, Brittany chose electives in Cognition and the Healthy Brain, Integrative Mental Health and Integrative Reproductive Health, reflecting both her clinical interests and her growing appreciation for women's health following the birth of her son.

Research skills for the future of naturopathy

Although the research project proved to be the most challenging part of the degree, it also became the most rewarding.

"Research isn't about finding a particular answer - it's about letting the evidence lead you to one. Sometimes it leads you where you expect, other times it doesn't. That can be challenging, but it's also a beautiful process to be part of."

The experience strengthened her ability to critically appraise evidence, integrate biomedical and naturopathic approaches, communicate science effectively and apply evidence-informed practice - skills she hopes to continue using in clinical care, health education, research and advocacy.

Studying externally, Brittany says she always felt connected to the University community.

"The teaching staff have been incredibly knowledgeable, and it's been a privilege to learn from true leaders of the naturopathic profession in Australia."

As she prepares to complete her final unit, Brittany hopes her story encourages others who may be questioning whether they can continue studying through life's biggest challenges.

"My son won't remember this journey, but in many ways he has been at the centre of it. I know without question that I would have carried regret if I hadn't returned to my studies."

For Brittany, completing her Master's has become about more than earning a qualification. It's proof that sometimes taking a pause doesn't mean giving up - it simply means finding the right time to keep moving forward.