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.

This is currently my second year of study at the University of Western Australia, where new challenges and opportunities appeared. This semester, I completed two key units, IMED2001 Immunology and IMED2002 Pharmacology, alongside two introductory electives in Public Health and Marketing. Each of these subjects has played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of healthcare and my journey towards becoming a doctor.

Pharmacology provided me with a solid foundation in drug mechanisms, interactions, and effects, which is essential for any future doctor. The knowledge from this unit will be crucial when prescribing treatments and understanding the implications of different medications on patients.

Immunology opened my eyes to the complex ways the body protects itself from pathogens. Understanding how the immune system functions—and sometimes malfunctions—is vital for diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions. One of my favourite parts of this unit was learning about all the different types of blood cancers and how you can diagnose and treat patients. This unit has equipped me with the skills to better understand patient health and how to support it.
Taking the Public Health elective broadened my perspective on healthcare beyond individual patient care. This unit delved into the societal, environmental, and economic factors that influence health outcomes. It emphasised the importance of preventive measures, health education, and policy making in achieving community health goals. This holistic view has enriched my approach to medicine, emphasising that effective healthcare extends beyond the clinic and into rural and remote communities.

The Marketing elective, though seemingly outside the typical medical curriculum, offered vital insights into health promotion. Learning about communication strategies, audience targeting, and campaign planning was particularly valuable in understanding how to effectively promote health initiatives and engage communities. The skills gained from this unit will be crucial when designing and implementing public health campaigns, whether it’s to raise awareness about disease prevention, encourage healthy lifestyles, or promote vaccination drives.

Beyond academics, this semester has also been a journey of opportunity and celebrations. During the mid-semester break, I was fortunate to attend the Indigenous Games in Wollongong, where mob from all over Australia came together to compete in basketball, netball, volleyball, and touch rugby. Being part of this event was empowering as we not only enjoyed the competitiveness of playing sports for our university but also shared stories and culture with other Aboriginal and Torress Strait Islander peoples from different but also similar cultural backgrounds. It was a great celebration of how well we are all doing at university and of who we are!

Reflecting on this semester, I am grateful for the diverse experiences and learning opportunities that have come my way. The combination of rigorous academic studies and enriching cultural experiences has deepened my understanding of what it means to be a healthcare professional. I am excited to continue this journey, applying the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to become not just a doctor, but a well-rounded and effective advocate for health in all its forms.