Raised in a small Aboriginal community in New South Wales, my upbringing provided me with firsthand insights into the healthcare challenges Indigenous peoples face. Witnessing my sister and father navigate the complexities of accessing medical care in remote areas due to a genetic disease deeply impacted me. With a background in military service and exploration, including a stint in the Navy and an expedition to Antarctica, I developed invaluable leadership, teamwork, and crisis management skills.

My experiences have fuelled my commitment to improving Indigenous health in Australia. I aim to leverage my diverse skill set to bridge healthcare gaps, especially in under-serviced regions. My upbringing instilled in me a profound respect for Indigenous culture and a deep understanding of the social and systemic factors affecting Indigenous health. I’m dedicated to adopting culturally sensitive care practices, advocating for policy reforms, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to address healthcare disparities.

As a qualified medical practitioner, I am committed to leveraging my background and skills to improve Indigenous health in Australia. Drawing on my upbringing, military service, and expedition experience, I bring a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Aboriginal communities.

I will contribute by providing culturally sensitive care using a patient-centred approach that respects Indigenous knowledge systems, cultural practices, and self-determination. I will advocate for policy reforms such as increased funding for culturally responsive healthcare services, workforce diversification, and community-led initiatives to prioritise Indigenous health equity. I will foster interdisciplinary collaboration with local communities, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to develop holistic approaches to health that address environmental, social, and cultural determinants. Finally, I intend to implement innovative solutions by drawing on my experiences in extreme environments and adapt healthcare delivery methods to overcome logistical challenges in remote Indigenous communities.

I am determined to contribute to a future where all Indigenous peoples in Australia have equitable access to culturally responsive healthcare that honours their inherent dignity and rights.

I am pleased to share that I have successfully completed Semester 2 of Year 2 of the Doctor of Medicine program at Deakin University, marking the conclusion of my pre-clinical training. This represents a significant milestone in my medical education, as I now prepare to transition into full-time clinical placements at University Hospital Geelong in 2026.

During the second half of 2025, the curriculum consolidated prior learning with an increased focus on clinical reasoning and preparation for hospital-based training. The Brain and Behaviour block provided a challenging and clinically relevant exploration of neurological and psychiatric conditions, while the Transition to Clinical Practice unit served as a final consolidating module, reinforcing professional expectations and practical readiness for the clinical environment. Reaching the end of the pre-clinical phase has been an important point of reflection, and I feel well prepared and motivated to apply my knowledge and skills as I transition into clinical training.

The support provided by Australian Rotary Health has continued to play a vital role in enabling my progress through the program. This scholarship has helped alleviate ongoing financial pressures associated with study and living expenses, allowing me to remain focused on my academic responsibilities and professional
development during this demanding phase of the course.

As I look ahead to commencing clinical training in Geelong, I am motivated and optimistic about the learning opportunities to come. I remain committed to completing my medical degree and to developing into a capable, compassionate doctor who can contribute meaningfully to the communities I serve.

Thank you once again for your continued generosity and support throughout my medical studies. It has made a substantial and lasting difference to my journey.