I am a proud Gundungurra woman who has grown up on Palawa country, Tasmania. From a young age, I have had a deep interest in health and medicine, with my own experiences with illness sparking my curiosity, which has only developed deeper over the years. Due to health issues, I have followed an alternate path to be where I am today, however, my experiences have provided me with a wealth of knowledge and perspectives I am extremely grateful for. My personal experiences allow me an ability to genuinely empathize with patients and individuals struggling, while also interacting with all individuals with increased awareness of the diversity of the human experience and the considerations required for the inclusivity and connection that is important to health care.

My connection to Aboriginal community both in NSW and Tasmania fuels my strong drive to work to correct the significant disparities in health care and health outcomes faced by Aboriginal people today. This has been a driving force that makes me deeply determined to use my access to education and ability to pursue a medical career to ensure I can make a positive change and improve the health outcomes of Aboriginal people and disadvantaged individuals and communities.

Through my personal life experiences, as well as work experiences in Aboriginal youth justice, I have developed a deep passion for improving health care in disadvantaged individuals and communities. From these experiences I have become aware of the significant disparities in health care and psychosocial support faced by Aboriginal youth, as well as the significant discrimination and inequity the Aboriginal population continue to face in the health care system. As a qualified medical practitioner, I intend to use my neurobiology research background to pursue further research on the predisposition of Aboriginal people to specific neurological, mental health or substance abuse disorders, and contribute practically to the development of improved healthcare understanding, prevention, treatment and management of Aboriginal and Torres strait islander people.

I intend to gain experience in rural communities, to develop my understanding of important perspectives, I hope to use the knowledge and understanding acquired from these experiences to work with diverse communities, not only providing the best healthcare possible but also using my experience and knowledge to promote the needs of the community and advocate for positive change towards improved health outcomes for Aboriginal people. I hope to continue to be involved in research expanding on my past contributions and I hope with the wealth of experience I intend to obtain that I will be able to contribute to educational positions, sharing perspectives and promoting discussions and learning around both First Nations health and culturally informed health care, to assist in the development of future health care professionals that will continue to facilitate positive change.

As I reflect on Semester 2 of 2024 as a medical student, I am both grateful and inspired by the learning and experiences I have encountered. The year has been an intense and transformative journey, presenting both significant challenges and rewarding highlights that have greatly contributed to my academic development and career goals, particularly in the area of Aboriginal health.

One of the key highlights of my first year has been the opportunity to engage with diverse medical topics and develop foundational clinical skills. The integrated learning approach, where theory is closely linked with hands-on clinical practice, has enabled me to apply what I’ve learned in real-world scenarios. Participating in community outreach programs that focus on Aboriginal health has been especially rewarding, providing me with insights into the unique challenges faced by Aboriginal communities. The chance to interact with healthcare professionals working in Indigenous health settings has deepened my understanding of the systemic barriers while motivating me to pursue this field further.

The most significant challenges have been the academic rigor and the balance between theoretical learning and clinical responsibilities. The volume of material, combined with the intensity of practical placements, often felt overwhelming. I’ve had to develop strong time-management skills to meet the demands of coursework, practical exams, and clinical hours. Additionally, navigating the emotional and cultural complexities inherent in Aboriginal health care has at times been difficult but has also underscored the importance of cultural competency in my future practice.

The scholarship has been invaluable in supporting my studies. It helped alleviate some of the financial pressures associated with the cost of textbooks, clinical supplies, and travel for community placements, ensuring that I could focus fully on my academic and clinical work. It also enabled me to participate in additional learning opportunities, such as workshops on Indigenous health and leadership development, which have been instrumental in broadening my perspective on how I can contribute to improving Aboriginal healthcare outcomes.

As I look ahead to next year, I am excited to deepen my clinical knowledge and refine my skills. I plan to continue to explore health in diverse communities further, particularly in areas such as mental health and chronic disease management, and to seek out opportunities for research in these fields. I am also eager to strengthen my connections with Aboriginal health leaders and other students passionate about improving Indigenous healthcare. Ultimately, I hope to use the skills and knowledge I gain to work alongside communities to create sustainable, culturally appropriate health solutions.

I am sincerely grateful for the scholarship, which has provided me with both the financial support and the motivation to continue pursuing my passion for Aboriginal health.