My name is Bradley Smith, I am a Wiradjuri and Gomeroi man. I have a background in Paramedic Science and I am currently in my second year as a Doctor of Medicine student at the University of Queensland. My goal is to specialise in General Practice and work as a General Practitioner in a community-controlled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Clinic.

Growing up I heard a lot of stories from family about their negative interactions with healthcare institutions. Due to this I witnessed a lot of my family battle with different medical conditions, never engaging with healthcare unless it was a necessity, and by then it was too late and their options for treatment were limited.

My contribution to Indigenous health will be through providing a culturally safe space as a GP, working with Mob to empower them to be the leaders in their own health care. I want to foster strong relationships within the community I’m working in and be that doctor that Mob can come to about anything. Increasing health literacy within the community and adopting a whole person care model within my practice will hopefully lead to better health outcomes for my Indigenous patients and families.

It is with immense gratitude and enthusiasm that I provide you with an update on my journey through medical school, now well into my third year. Your continued support has been an incredible source of encouragement, and I am delighted to share some of the experiences and insights gained over the past months.

The beginning of this year presented a significant, albeit rewarding, challenge. My initial placements in Surgery and Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Redlands Hospital were a steep learning curve. After two years focused heavily on foundational sciences and theoretical knowledge, stepping onto the wards and into operating theatres felt like a true trial by fire. It was a demanding period, having to apply all of the skills and understanding I had built in the first two years. The transition from classroom learning to real-world patient care, from understanding disease processes to actively participating in their management, was a profound shift. There were moments of self-doubt and intense pressure as I grappled with the responsibility and complexity of clinical practice.

However, amidst these challenges, there was an overwhelming sense of excitement and profound reaffirmation of my passion for medicine. Being in the hospital, witnessing the direct impact of medical care on patients’ lives, and learning from dedicated doctors and healthcare professionals has been an incredibly inspiring experience. Every day brought new discoveries – from observing intricate surgical procedures to assisting in the delivery room, each moment solidified why I chose this path. The privilege of interacting with patients, hearing their stories, and contributing, even in a small way, to their care has been truly humbling and deeply motivating.

Beyond the demanding academic and clinical schedule, a significant part of this year has been about finding a balance, particularly in juggling intensive study with precious time spent with family. When I can snatch a moment to decompress, I often find myself watching rugby league. It’s a great way to switch off, even if my team, the St. George Illawarra Dragons, aren’t exactly setting the world on fire this season – sometimes their performance can add to the stress rather than relieve it, only joking, of course!

Thank you once again for your unwavering support. It makes a tangible difference in my pursuit of becoming a compassionate and competent physician. I look forward to sharing more updates with you in the future.