My name is Louise and I’m a proud Arrernte woman in my final year of the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine degree at Monash University. I’m passionate about Indigenous health and addressing the ongoing health inequities faced by our communities.

During my studies, I have been actively involved in Indigenous health advocacy through leadership roles within Monash University’s Indigenous and rural health committee, WILDFIRE, first as the Indigenous Representative for two years, before becoming the Indigenous Chair for another two years. In these roles, I developed and led projects aimed at informing medical students about Indigenous health issues, encouraging greater awareness and cultural sensitivity. I’ve also enjoyed mentoring Indigenous students, helping to foster a supportive environment and provide academic guidance for fellow Indigenous students pursuing medicine.

I aspire to become a doctor working in psychiatry with the goal of improving health outcomes for Indigenous Australians. This scholarship will allow me to focus on my studies while continuing to contribute to the Indigenous health space through advocacy and community engagement.

I’m incredibly grateful for the support of Australian Rotary Health in helping me pursue my dream of becoming a doctor and giving back to my community.

I recognise the deep-rooted mistrust that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel toward the healthcare system due to historical injustices and ongoing discrimination. As a doctor, I will prioritise building strong, respectful relationships with my Aboriginal and Torris Strait Islander patients, ensuring they feel heard, valued and respected. This means advocating for culturally safe practices, incorporating Indigenous perspectives into patient care, and collaborating with Indigenous healthcare workers to deliver holistic, community-led solutions.

I also aim to contribute to policy discussions and initiatives that address systemic barriers to healthcare access. Whether through research, clinical practice, or community outreach, I am committed to reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.