My name is Leila and I am a proud Palawa woman and a third-year medical student at Monash University. I was born in Nowra, New South Wales, and spent much of my early life moving across Australia, living in places such as Wagga Wagga, Adelaide and Ballarat. I completed high school at Damascus College Ballarat before beginning my medical degree at Monash University in 2023.

I come from a strong lineage of healthcare workers – both my mother and grandmother were nurses, which inspired my passion for medicine and deepened my understanding of healthcare in Australia. This background, combined with my lived experiences and culture, has shaped my commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

Throughout my studies, I have endeavoured to embrace leadership and advocacy roles, including my involvement in Indigenous Student Symposiums and serving as the Pre-Clinical Indigenous Student Representative. I am also an active member of the Weenthunga Health Network, further strengthening my connection to community and culture.

I am deeply passionate about improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. With a strong focus on rural and community healthcare, I aspire to become a General Practitioner dedicated to serving and empowering Indigenous communities.

As a First Nations woman, I understand the barriers Indigenous peoples face within the healthcare system and aspire to be a doctor who honours and respects the identities of my patients. Recognising the critical importance of accessible healthcare in rural areas, I am determined to make a meaningful impact by working as a General Practitioner in these communities.

I am committed to using my education and hands-on clinical experiences to drive positive change in healthcare accessibility and improve patient outcomes.

By dedicating myself to improving health outcomes and fostering a supportive environment for Indigenous patients, I hope to contribute to closing the health gap and ensuring all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples receive the care they deserve.

Semester 2 of 2025 has been a transformative period in both my personal and academic journey as I continue my Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine program at Monash University. My rural clinical placement in Gippsland has offered new challenges and unique opportunities for growth, allowing me to experience the realities of patient care in a community setting while deepening my appreciation for the diversity of healthcare.

Transitioning into the second semester, I continued to build upon the hands-on experiences I gained during my initial rotations. Working across different hospital departments has allowed me to sharpen my clinical skills and take on a more active role within the healthcare team. The collaborative environment has created a greater sense of belonging and has strengthened the importance of teamwork in delivering patient care. I have found great satisfaction in my interactions with patients and staff alike, learning valuable lessons from everyone around me, and witnessing the impact of empathy and compassion in healthcare.

Highlights outside of direct clinical work included participating in the Teddy Bear Hospital, creating a supportive and fun environment for children to learn about healthcare, and attending communication workshops, which helped me develop confidence and skills in engaging with patients. These experiences, along with opportunities like attending the First Nations Women in Health retreat, have reinforced the importance of community, cultural safety, and representation in medicine.

Despite the demands of placement and study, I have learned the importance of self-care and resilience. Living away from home has brought challenges like loneliness and the need to establish new routines, but exploring Gippsland’s beautiful outdoors through walking and hiking has been a crucial way to recharge, reflect, and stay healthy both mentally and physically.

One of the highlights of Semester 2 was the time spent both in and outside of study with my peers and mentors. I have learned the value of leaning on others in times of stress, whether through study groups or simply sharing my thoughts with fellow students who understand the journey we’re on. These connections have made the challenges more manageable and the successes even sweeter.

Academically, I have approached my coursework with renewed determination, completing assessments and preparing for both pathology and end-of-year exams with greater focus and diligence. I have also taken time to reflect on my academic performance, identifying specific areas for growth and actively pursuing strategies for improvement. The continued support of my scholarship has been invaluable, allowing me to concentrate on my education and fully engage in my studies without the added stress of financial concerns.

Looking back, there have been moments of self-doubt and difficulty, but each challenge, whether academic, clinical, or personal, has contributed to my resilience and sense of purpose. The support from those around me, including peers, mentors, and the broader community, has been invaluable. I am more confident in my ability to contribute positively to both my profession and my community.

As I look ahead to my fourth year, I recognise that it will bring new challenges and increased responsibilities. While I know it will be demanding, I am eager to meet the challenges that lie ahead. I look forward to pushing myself further, building on the foundation I have developed, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.