Allysha Baker
Indigenous Health Scholarship
University of Newcastle, NSW
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Scholarship Awarded 2019-2020
Sponsored by:
David Henning Memorial Fund
How will I contribute to improving Indigenous health as a qualified medical practitioner or health worker?
As an Indigenous woman, originally from a small country town of Boggabri, I always had a strong desire to work in the health industry. Growing up, I was exposed to the health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous health outcomes. It really shocked me that those sort of statistics were real and I was passionate to improve these results. I completed a year of Midwifery at Newcastle University and loved it. I completed my practicum in an Indigenous antenatal clinic and a large tertiary hospital. I valued and treasured my time there and found working with other Indigenous women particularly special. I feel they were able to connect with me, feeling safe and confident in communicating. Furthermore, I truly believe I enhance a cultural appropriate pregnancy and birthing journey for the women.
Throughout midwifery practical experience I became inspired to not only work with one particular population (eg pregnant women), however with variety of settings and Indigenous population groups. In 2017, I commenced a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy because of the many core values which alighted with my own holistic approach to health, social justice and the real life skills that would allow me to help individuals living meaningful lives. I want to use my passion and occupational therapy expertise to improve quality of life in Indigenous communities, and provide opportunities and engagement for them. Through my Occupational Therapy work experience, so far I have had great opportunities to work with Indigenous people which has positively further supported my decision in choosing this career avenue.
In 2017, I completed a rural paediatric placement in Tamworth, working with young children under the age of 18 with developmental problems. In September 2018, I was working on a Rehabilitation ward, in a small coastal hospital. In future, I would love to complete my new graduate position in North West NSW, and give back to my community. Another future passion of mine is to visit and work as a qualified occupational therapist in NT.
Current Progressive Report
2020 has been quite a year and most of us can probably agree COVID-19 has thrown a real spanner in the works. I don’t think I could provide a report on the first half of the year, without reflecting on how the pandemic significantly affected my courses, placement, and various important aspects of my life such as being with family and friends. The occupational therapy courses commenced back in March, lasting only one week of face to face classes until learning transitioned to online and virtual teaching. Initially this was a big adjustment as I find personally, I am a hands-on learner and I absorb information more effectively when in a classroom. At times, it was also difficult to stay motivated, but tried to stay persisted and determined. Unfortunately, my exciting opportunity to attend a 10-week placement in Darwin was postponed due to the circumstances of the pandemic. Although it was a shame that this final practicum was put on hold, I’m sure there will be plenty of prospects to go up to Darwin and practice in the future. Luckily, I was able to receive a 6-week placement at Vision Australia, which will be a community-based setting, as well as telehealth delivery. I’m grateful that I can achieve my practical competencies of the course and excited to be placed into a unique context for my final year.
Additionally, to the change in my studies, I unfortunately lost my casual job during COVID-19 as the agency had to end all the group therapies, I was running due to the restrictions in place. I am so thankful to have the Australian Rotary Indigenous Scholarship over this emotionally and financially stressful period of time. The scholarship has assisted in rent, bills and will go towards assisting myself on my 6 weeks of placement commencing mid-August. The scholarship was definitely a huge contribution of me not giving up on my studies in these uncertain times.
I thank Rotary Health and the David Henning Memorial Foundation who sponsored my scholarship for being a huge supporter of my journey and other Indigenous health students through university. I hope in 5 years, I am graduated and working as a qualified occupational therapist, saving for my own home and a member of the Rotary health club whereby I can support another Indigenous student through university.