I am an Ugarem-le man with ties to Ugar island in the Torres straits and a final-year medical student studying at Monash University Melbourne. My journey into medicine has been shaped by personal experiences navigating the healthcare system alongside close relatives facing both chronic and acute illnesses. Witnessing these challenges first hand has driven my passion for improving healthcare access and outcomes for First Nations people.

Since moving to Melbourne in 2021 from Sydney to pursue my medical studies, I have been actively involved in initiatives supporting Indigenous health and representation in medicine. As the founding Indigenous Officer of the Australasian Surgical Students Association (ASSA), I am committed to fostering culturally safe surgical education and increasing opportunities for Indigenous students in surgery.

I aspire to train as a surgeon, combining clinical excellence with advocacy to address the disproportionate burden of preventable disease in Indigenous communities. Through outreach, mentorship, and policy engagement, I hope to contribute to a healthcare system that is more equitable and responsive to the needs of First Nations Australians. My goal is not only to provide high-quality medical care but also to empower Indigenous voices within medicine and ensure long-term, sustainable improvements in health outcomes.

Growing up in Australia, I have witnessed first hand the stark disparities in healthcare access and outcomes for Indigenous Australians. As a final-year medical student I am determined to contribute meaningfully in addressing these inequities by combining medical knowledge with advocacy, education, and culturally safe care once I enter the medical workforce.

I am drawn to cardiothoracic surgery from both a deep fascination with the field and the opportunity to address the significant burden of cardiovascular disease in first nations communities. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among Indigenous Australians, and I have learnt how delayed diagnoses, limited access to specialist care, and systemic barriers lead to worse outcomes. Throughout medical school, my eyes have been opened to the great lengths first nations patients have to travel for life-saving surgery, only to face significant challenges in post-operative care and follow-up. These experiences have strengthened my resolve to advocate for better access to medical services in rural and remote areas. I plan to participate in outreach surgical programs, ensuring Indigenous patients receive timely interventions and ongoing care close to home.

Beyond surgery, I am passionate about mentoring younger first nations medical students, recognising that representation within the medical workforce is crucial for improving Indigenous health. I also hope to contribute to research focused on addressing the disproportionate burden of preventable diseases in first nations communities.

Pursuing a career in medicine is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on first nations health. I want to contribute by improving access to specialist care, supporting patients through their healthcare journey, and helping to close the gap in outcomes. Through advocacy, mentorship, and collaboration with Indigenous health services, I hope to play a role in making healthcare more accessible and culturally safe for First Nations Australians.