As a young Indigenous male training to become a medical doctor I would like to see the health gap between the indigenous and non-Indigenous population closed within my lifetime. It is a huge injustice within our society that being born Indigenous reduces both physical and mental health outcomes. One of my main goals as a health practitioner will be to improve these outcomes and reduce disease burden within the Indigenous population. The health gap is a multifactorial and complex problem and achieving closure of the gap will require a multifactorial solution that I personally do not have all the answers for. Through my studies in medical school, research and through indigenous patients I aim to improve my understanding and work towards providing equitable health care for Indigenous Australians.

After graduating with a degree in medicine I would like to eventually specialize in the field of psychiatry, an area I have had a particular interest in since my undergraduate degree. I believe specialization in this field will give me a great opportunity to improve the health care outcomes of indigenous patients. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 29% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders self-reported currently having a mental health condition, which again is an area of health where the Indigenous population is dis-proportionally affected. Seeking help for mental health is often a lengthy and costly endeavor, especially for rural and remote populations. One of my goals in this field would be to improve access to Indigenous populations as well as providing it for free to those in need. I would hope that this charitable act and advocacy would inspire other doctors to follow suite and work together to reduce the gap.

Becoming a doctor is a great privilege and I am passionate about using this opportunity to give back to the Indigenous community, improve health outcomes and work towards creating a more equitable society. I would like to achieve this through improving access, reducing health care costs and advocating for equitable health care for the Indigenous community.

As I reflect on the past year, I am thrilled to share my progress and experiences as a final-year medical student at University of Western Australia. This year has been marked by significant growth and valuable insights as I completed a range of clinical placements, expanded my horizons, and continued my commitment to making a positive impact in the field of medicine.

Throughout the year, I had the privilege of participating in diverse clinical placements, including internal medicine, surgery, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and pain medicine. These rotations allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of various medical specialties, further developing my clinical skills and knowledge base. Each rotation offered unique challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

One aspect of my journey that stood out profoundly was my experience during two rural rotations in Albany and Hopetoun. These placements provided an eye-opening perspective on healthcare in resource-limited settings. Witnessing the dedication of healthcare professionals in these regions, who continually deliver quality care despite challenges, has been truly inspiring.

During my time in these rural areas, I also seized the opportunity to explore the breath taking natural landscapes of Western Australia. Hiking expeditions to Bald Head, West Cape Howe, and Bluff Knoll were awe-inspiring adventures that served as a reminder of the importance of balance and self-care in the demanding field of medicine.

Outside of my clinical commitments, my passion for tutoring Indigenous medical students remains unwavering. This role has allowed me to contribute actively to increasing the representation of Indigenous people in the field of health. I am delighted to share that my dedication to this cause was recognized with a nomination for the Premier’s Science Award for Indigenous Student of the Year. I was grateful for the nomination and hope that it has made people more aware of the educational disadvantages that the Indigenous population face when engaging in tertiary education.

Looking ahead, I am filled with excitement and anticipation as I prepare to embark on my journey as a medical intern next year. The experiences and knowledge gained over the past year have equipped me with the skills and resilience needed to thrive in this new role. I am eager to contribute positively to patient care and continue my pursuit of excellence in the field of medicine.

In conclusion, I want to express my deep gratitude for the support and opportunities that have shaped my progress this year. The guidance and encouragement I have received from my mentors, colleagues, and institutions have been invaluable. I look forward to the exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in my medical career and am enthusiastic about the future of medicine and the positive impact I can make.