Indigenous Health Scholarship Program

My passion for medicine has been catalysed by monumental life experiences.   I grasped an understanding of medicine in 2020 when undertaking SAHMRI work experience.   I was enlightened to the multidisciplinary teams in medicine and developed fascination for many specialise.   Completing a Certificate III in Medical Business Administration amplified my love for Medical ethics.   I participated in the volunteer opportunity SONY Camp, where I was responsible for the health of a child.  this taught me the importance of inclusive healthcare, deepening my empathy which I used to support.

I have chosen physiotherapy because I have always had an interest in health, sport and fitness.   As I became older and got more into sport, I started to experience what it is like to have an injury.   Sport has become a passion of mine.   My world literally revolved around proper preparation.  Everything I do, what I eat, training and gym is all for plying football.    Having had injuries, rehabilitation ad recover is knowledge that I want to gain in order to help people manage and recover from their injuries.

I have always thought of doctors and the science of medicine as almost like a super power, and I was so drawn to the concept of healing, comforting and helping others to return to full health, with the ultimate goal of them returning to normal tasks in their daily lives.

It is no secret that the life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is significantly lower than non-Indigenous Australians.

By training as an MD, I hope to be able to gain the knowledge and skills to tackle public health issues present in society today, with the treatment and management of diabetes being something I am very passionate about.    As well this, I hope to research the biomechanics behind chronic disorders such as diabetes so that I can aid in improving the management of these conditions.

I have always been interested in the health field.   From a young age I was surrounded by medical professionals.   My parents, aunties, uncles and Ngangkari all worked in Aboriginal Health.  They all worked in my home town of Alice Springs, where they selflessly dedicated themselves to our community members and did the hard work that needed to be done.   This inspired me wot work in the health field, and also give back to my community, just as they did.

The global pandemic underlined to me the important role that health practitioners and researchers play in promoting positive health outcomes.   This renewed interest within the health field of health, as well as my strong desire as an Aboriginal woman to help ‘Close the Gap’ inspired me to begin my studies in the Doctor of Medicine program.

Throughout the time I took to decide that I wanted to be a midwife my culture and background has always contributed to my decision making. Within the area I live in I know there is not may Indigenous midwives available for mums or babies that identify has Indigenous so I knew that doing this would not only benefit myself but my community. I want to be able to provide a safe space for Indigenous mums to voice their concerns or anything they wish to without being judged.

I have aspirations to improve Aboriginal health as an active contributor, specifically to work together with Aboriginal communities and to facilitate ways of working with existing and creating new partnerships. I aim to be instrumental in developing community specific models that incorporate the joint healing process of the particular community, through inclusivity of the community and key stakeholders. I plan to incorporate the Social Determinate of Aboriginal Health and work within the framework of the Bio psycho-social medical model.

Contributing to improving Indigenous health when I become a medical practitioner is a crucial part of what becoming a doctor means to me. To be able to the Australian Indigenous people is something that I strive to do as I believe there is a great divide in our society between the health issues of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

I have set my goal to work in remote and rural Aboriginal communities in WA to help improve and implement health strategies. This includes primary health care and prevention of chronic health disease, by using education to empower and facilitate good health attitudes. One of the communities that I am keen to work in is Lombardina near Broome, which I have family connections. My motivation to complete the bachelor degree in nursing so that I can assist Aboriginal women to stay on country during the birth process and be there to support the women during this. Therefore helping them with their spiritual and cultural journey and keeping iwht their health belief model and their connection to country. As the first person in my family and extended family to go to university and the first Bindjareb women to enrol in the nursing degree I hope to inspire and motivate many other young Nyungar women to follow my lead so that they can excel and be stronger person within their communities and families.