I am a proud Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan man from Cobar, NSW. I grew up in the regional town of Toowoomba and have always had strong connection to Indigenous and rural health care, through the Carbal Medical Centre. I particularly gained an understanding of the rural environment through my school, which had an emphasis on boarding students from isolated rural communities, many of whom were my friends.

As a child, I frequently spend time in the health care system and, as I grew older, I became more aware and intrigued with the individualised and patient centred care I received. Whilst young at the the time, these qualities have resonated and developed with me as I have grown up. Now that I have more experience and understanding of how health care systems function and how patient care can be provided, I am excited to be on my own path of providing positive contributions to health care, particularly in rural and Indigenous communities.

My progression through JCU’s MBBS program has allowed my knowledge and understanding of Indigenous health to grow substantially. Subjects such as Ecology of Health and Rural, Remote, Indigenous and Tropical Health has highlighted the disparity and issues that Indigenous communities face. Some of these issues include, access to healthcare, trust issues and cultural safety. I am also aware of current initiatives such as the Closing the Gap targets. As a future qualified Indigenous Medical Practitioner, I believe I can assist in addressing this disparity and close the gap through advocacy and providing culturally sensitive, high-quality healthcare to all my patients.

Whilst my goal and commitments are future based, I have already commenced to make a difference through various community and Indigenous involvements. I thoroughly enjoyed my placements at Carbal Medical Centre in Toowoomba and the Atherton Hospital where I immersed myself in the community and learned from my montors.

After an enjoyable summer break at home with my family, I commenced my 5^th year studying Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery at James Cook University. This was also the beginning of a new chapter for me as I relocated from the Townville University campus to the Mackay campus to continue my studies. I am enjoying the new challenges and experiences associated with this transition. Additionally, I continue to enjoy all aspects of the course, particularly the more hands on approach and clinical placement exposure.

During the previous semester (Semester 2, 2023), the workload intensified as our first ever set of ‘whole of year exams’ began to approach. This meant that there was less time and less opportunities to undertake social activities. Although, I did keep up a relatively well balanced lifestyle by playing social soccer every Friday afternoon with my mates. By having this balance it allowed me to take my mind off studying and also relieved the increased amount of stress I was experiencing.

The second semesters content followed on from the first semester with us continuing to cover and review other body systems. This included Male and Female Health, Neurology, Infectious Diseases, Head and Neck, and Clinical Investigations.

I also continued with my placements at the Townville University Hospital and the Mater Hospital. This allowed me to continue to gain valuable insight, skills and knowledge regarding medical care for patients. It also provided me with the opportunity to revise and practice physical examinations and history taking in preparation for our upcoming practical OSCE examination.

Having successfully completed 4^th year examinations in November which included two written papers and an OSCE, I returned home for a short 6-week holiday before commencing 5^th year in Mackay.

I am looking forward to this new chapter in Mackay, particularly in experiencing the high quality of healthcare and education they have to offer. During this time, as a 5^th year medical student, I will be undertaking extensive placements at the Mackay Base Hospital, Mater Hospital and local GP Practices, where I will be exposed to Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mental Health, Surgery, General Medicine and General Practice.