My name is Kirby, and I am a proud Walmatjarri man in my second year at the University of Western Australia. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with an assured pathway into the Doctor of Medicine.

My motivation for choosing medicine comes from my desire to continue using my problem-solving skills and to fulfil my aptitude for helping people, both in the broader community and ultimately within my own community.

I am determined to utilise my future knowledge and skills, not only to treat individuals but also to advocate for equity in Aboriginal Peoples health by preventing and managing prevalent health issues.

I have always had a passion for helping children through tutoring and mentoring. This passion has carried on to my medical aspirations as I am going to specialise in Paediatrics after completing the Doctor of Medicine. This is not just a career choice but more of a personal commitment to making a positive difference to our youth in Aboriginal Communities.

When I become a paediatrician, I endeavour to work in rural, remote, and metropolitan areas. This will enable me to become a strong advocate to push for better health services and care for Aboriginal people in Australia. I feel that there is currently too large of a cultural disconnection between Doctors and Aboriginal people which has led to children and families being intimidated of visiting hospital. As a future paediatrician, I will provide this genuine connection with Aboriginal people and make our children feel comfortable and taken care of in Hospitals.

Right now, the gap is still existent between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal People, and it will be my goal to bridge this gap by advocating for a positive, culturally safe environment which will allow our people to have equitable outcomes for their health. We need people in positions who will advocate for Indigenous health. We need more Aboriginal Doctors to help bridge this gap that Doctors are now endeavouring and pushing to close, and it would mean the of utmost importance to humbly be able to contribute to this cause.

Through my work as a paediatrician, I aim to advocate for improved health services and care, particularly in rural and remote areas where disparities are most pronounced.

My motivation and desire to become a doctor is deeply rooted in my own family’s experiences with health issues, notably cardiovascular diseases, and kidney problems. Witnessing these struggles firsthand has fuelled my determination to pursue a career in medicine by preventing.

I am currently studying full-time on campus at the University of Western Australia (UWA), in my first year of the Doctor of Medicine program. The past six months have felt like a whirlwind. It has been intense, challenging, and at times overwhelming, but also incredibly rewarding. What I liked most about starting this year was what we were learning started to relate to clinically scenarios. I’m genuinely enjoying the direction the course is taking. It is no longer just theory and lectures. We are learning practical clinical skills, having meaningful conversations about patient-centred care, and gaining a real sense of what it will feel like to work through clinical problems as part of a team. That shift has been both exciting and motivating.

Even so, the transition into medicine has been a major step up. The workload increased significantly compared to my undergraduate studies, and the depth of content we’re expected to understand and retain is unlike anything I have experienced before. The final few weeks of the semester were especially demanding. It was not just academically challenging. It was also mentally and emotionally exhausting. What helped me get through was holding onto the reason I am here. I want to become a doctor who can make a real difference in the health of all people, with a particular focus on improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. I am especially passionate about working in rural and remote settings, where access to care is limited and where many Aboriginal people live, often facing significant health disparities.

Recently, we completed three major assessments: a multiple-choice exam, a short-answer written paper, and an OSPE, which is an Objective Structured Practical Examination. Each one tested a different part of our knowledge and skillset. The OSPE was particularly fast-paced and hands-on. We rotated through 20 different stations, with two minutes at each to respond to questions involving real anatomical specimens. There was definitely pressure, but I found the experience surprisingly fun and energising. It was a great opportunity to apply what we had learned in a more practical and clinical setting.

Outside of study, sport continues to play an important role in my life. I am currently playing Premier 1s and 2s hockey here in Perth. It helps me stay active and gives me something to look forward to outside of my academic responsibilities. I also coach the Year 11/12 boys team at my club, which has been incredibly rewarding. Coaching provides a healthy break from study and gives me the chance to be present, enjoy the game, and help younger players develop, both in terms of their skills and their confidence. This experience has made me realise how much I enjoy working with young people. It has sparked a genuine interest in paediatrics as a possible future pathway. Supporting young people through important stages of life, whether through sport or healthcare, is something I find really meaningful.

At this stage, I am also very interested in emergency medicine. I enjoy the fast pace, the variety, and the challenge of thinking clearly and acting quickly under pressure. However, after our cardiovascular block this semester, I found myself developing a strong interest in cardiology. Learning about the heart was fascinating, but what truly stayed with me was our learning on rheumatic heart disease. I was shocked to learn how common it still is in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It was confronting to realise that this preventable and treatable condition continues to cause serious harm, particularly among children in remote areas of Australia.

The last six months have been some of the most difficult I have faced, but also the most transformative. I have learned so much, not only about medicine, but about myself. I have discovered how I manage pressure, how I maintain balance, and what truly motivates me. I’m incredibly grateful for the support I have received from the Indigenous Health Scholarship team, family, friends, and the sporting community around me. As I move forward, I want to become the kind of doctor who listens, advocates and provide the best care possible to all patients!