I grew up around the Karrajarri people of Bidgydanga community where I had witnessed many of my close families diagnosed with chronic health conditions simply because of the lack of health access and education we have within our community.

I constantly reflect upon the health of my people, which greatly disappointed me to think that my people as purely disadvantaged in this community.   I have witnessed the upsetting truth between the health gap of my people, where many young, close relationships are affected.

I know I will become a Kaldadoon, Waanji and East Arrenernte doctor that my people have been needing.   My purpose to becoming a doctor is what my ancestors had fought for.   The had fought for the opportunities for me to become a leader in this world.  I am driven to learn as much as I can from western medicine, to know one day I can break down the barriers for my people.

When I am a doctor I would like to be the professional with whom my people enjoy consulting.   I want to listen to what people need, teach and empower them to take ownership of their health.   I believe that education is a fundamental asset in empowering myself and my community to better health outcomes.   After 9 years at boarding school in the city, I am forever grateful for the opportunity to be educated in hopes to make future changes for my people and his country.

This year has been the highlight of my medical degree, particularly through the Rural Clinical School (RCS) curriculum. Studying while living at home in Broome created an ideal and meaningful environment for my education. Living in Broome not only motivated me academically but also inspired me personally, as it allowed me to reconnect with my roots and culture. This connection reaffirmed why I chose medicine as my career: to give back to my community and serve as a role model for my people.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this year was hearing young, school-aged patients say things like, “You’re like me,” or ask, “How are you a doctor?” These moments were both humbling and empowering, reminding me of the importance of representation in healthcare. Another highlight was forming close connections with my peers in the RCS program, fostering academic collaboration and a strong sense of community.

In the upcoming semester, I am excited to further develop my clinical skills and deepen my understanding of medicine as I prepare for my final year. I look forward to continuing my journey as a role model for young Aboriginal students, demonstrating that a career in medicine is both attainable and rewarding.

My primary goal this semester was to reconnect with my roots while advancing my medical studies. I achieved this by maintaining a balance between academic commitments and cultural engagement. Living and studying in Broome allowed me to reacquaint myself with my cultural practices, which gave me a sense of grounding and purpose. This balance enriched me personally and enhanced my academic focus, contributing significantly to my satisfaction and growth as a medical student.

The hands-on clinical experience I gained in Broome played a crucial role in my development. I am proud to say that I passed this semester successfully, attributing much of my achievement to the supportive and rewarding environment in Broome.

Overall, I feel that I performed well in my studies this semester. The Rural Clinical School in Broome provided a supportive and engaging learning environment, where I could apply theoretical knowledge to practical clinical scenarios. This boosted my confidence in clinical skills and reinforced my growth as a medical student.

One area for improvement is managing study time more effectively, particularly in preparation for exams. While I successfully balanced my commitments this year, I aim to be more intentional with my study schedule next semester to ensure thorough revision and preparation for my final year.

This semester, I had the privilege of participating in Fair Game, a charity dedicated to supporting underserved communities in Western Australia. As part of this program, I delivered health education and fitness activities to children in Bidyadanga community, where I grew up. These sessions aimed to inspire children to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, essential for their long-term well-being.

This experience was particularly meaningful as it allowed me to give back to my community and serve as a role model for the next generation. By sharing my journey and encouraging conversations about education, I hoped to inspire these children to dream big and pursue higher education.

After completing my medical studies, I plan to apply for an internship as a Junior Medical Officer (JMO) in Broome. Starting my medical career in Broome would enable me to contribute to my local community’s health and well-being while further developing my skills in a culturally rich healthcare setting. This aligns with my long-term aspiration of improving healthcare access and outcomes for my community and people.