I plan on spending most of my efforts as a future Public Health (PH) Physician by taking interventions that are seen to be effective in research and practically translating these interventions into communities in a culturally safe manner. At my time at the Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS), I was advised by an Indigenous GP that Aboriginal Australians are some of the most researched people on the planet, however the direct benefit of this research back into community still goes astray. Thus, having connections with Australian Indigenous Doctors Association, Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education, Menzies School of Health Research, as well as other Indigenous Australian health workers, as a PH Physician I can help make this a reality.

I have had a taste into how PH can help produce positive impact to a community during my John Flynn Placements at the Dubbo AMS, particularly in the perspective of community engagement and implementing practice interventions to promote a self-sufficient economic model. In having my mentor, Denise Thomas (GP locum) heavily involved in Public Health, it’s made my passions seem like a realistic future. Interestingly, I am currently in the process in researching the underlying reasons of missed appointments at the Dubbo AMS, to help produce clarity to the topic.

I cannot neglect to mention my passions for Indigenous health in the context to both chronic illnesses and cancer. Relevantly, I believe the effects of the Stolen Generation are far from being effectively addressed. In looking at high quality research involved with connecting high traumatic experiences from Indigenous peoples to specific health burden outcomes from countries such as Canada, New Zealand and the United States, I believe Australia has a long way to go. I also believe, particularly after attending the World Indigenous Cancer Conference (WICC), that cancer is a highly under-addressed field in the Australian Indigenous context. When hearing about the similar health disparities that Indigenous peoples of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and United States share in comparison to their non-Indigenous counterpart, it is difficult to turn a blind eye! After my own experiences with cancer, I am somewhat emotionally invested more so than the average budding medical student. Thus, I plan on undergoing translational research in this area, particularly involving Indigenous cancer survivors.

In saying this, this is not the only thing I wish to achieve in my life. I am also passionate about refugee health and the role of cultural diversity in a Westernised medical system, thus splaying from Indigenous health.

My year has been as jam-packed and rewarding as last year! So far this year I have completed elective placements at an Emergency Department and the South East Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit. Here I was responsible in conveying negative COVID-19 results to individuals in an outpatient setting (many happy responses as you imagine!). I then was fortunate enough to complete placements in paediatric infectious diseases at the Sydney Children’s Hospital and a general paediatric term at St George Hospital, then an orthopaedic surgical rotation, another emergency rotation, a respiratory rotation and finally a geriatric rotation! Busy, busy, busy!!! From broken hips to chronic lung diseases, this year has been quite the learning curve!

I have my final degree exams in less than three weeks, so my brain is buzzing with information that I hopefully won’t forget on the important days (fingers crossed!).

Also, I am very excited to have been offered an internship at Prince of Wales Hospital after this year! So, all of the hard work over the years has finally payed off! With the end in sight, it has given me a chance to reflect as to how far I have come. And it would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the help and support from the Australian Rotary Health and sponsoring Rotary Clubs! This money has enabled me to focus on my studies and not be distracted from the financial pressures of being a modern-day student.

So please wish me luck for my future exams and hopefully the next time you see me, I’ll have ‘Dr’ before my name!