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 semester at the University of Western Australia has been a rewarding mix of academic and personal growth. My studies in medical research and human development, alongside my coaching and tutoring experiences, have further solidified my passion for medicine and my goal of specialising in either paediatrics or emergency medicine.

MED2003 gave me a solid foundation in medical research, teaching me how to critically assess scientific literature, design studies, and interpret data—skills that are essential for any aspiring doctor. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the research that underpins modern medicine and reinforced the importance of evidence-based practice in providing the best care for patients. This unit highlighted why, as a doctor, using the best available evidence is crucial for patient outcomes.

At the same time, IMED2004 introduced me to human development and genetics, covering topics from embryology to genetic disorders and diseases like cancer. I found it fascinating to see how small genetic variations can profoundly affect health. Learning about these genetic conditions and developmental biology made me realise how complex and individualised patient care can be.

Outside of university, I spend my time playing and coaching hockey, as well as tutoring for Follow the Dream. During the holidays, I had the opportunity to coach the under-14 and under-16 boys’ indoor hockey state teams, which was an incredible experience. Developing young athletes’ skills and game strategies required clear communication, adapting teaching methods to each individual, and fostering teamwork towards a shared goal. This experience significantly improved my leadership and teamwork skills, both of which are essential in a medical environment. Just as in hockey, effective collaboration and clear decision-making are vital in healthcare, where the goal is always to work as a team to achieve the best outcomes for patients.

Similarly, my role as a tutor for Follow the Dream has strengthened these skills in an academic setting, where I support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. This role has enhanced my ability to mentor and build good rapport with young students. It has taught me how to adapt my communication and provide guidance in a way that fosters a supportive learning environment—essential qualities when working with children and their families in a medical context. Coaching and tutoring have also helped me learn how to tailor my approach to connect with young people, which will be invaluable when working in paediatrics.

Reflecting on this semester, I am grateful for the variety of experiences that have shaped both my academic and personal growth. The combination of challenging medical studies, leadership opportunities, and community involvement has reinforced my commitment to medicine and my goal of becoming a paediatric or emergency doctor. I’m excited to continue this journey and look forward to what lies ahead!