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 1 of 2026 marked the beginning of my fourth year (4C) in the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine program at Monash University. This semester was defined by my 18-week General Practice (GP) placement in Marong, which was both a challenging and deeply rewarding experience.

During my GP rotation, I was immersed in the realities of first line patient care in a rural community. One of the most valuable parts was the opportunity for parallel consulting, which allowed me to independently see patients while also learning from my supervising doctors. This hands-on approach made me feel much more like a junior doctor, as I was entrusted with increasing responsibility and autonomy in managing patient care.

A highlight was developing continuity of care being able to see many patients repeatedly over the semester. This not only helped build trust and rapport with patients but also gave me extremely valuable insight into the ongoing nature of primary healthcare. Being able to follow up with patients and witness their progress reinforced my understanding of holistic patient care and the importance of long-term relationships in general practice.

Throughout the semester, I attended weekly classes in Castlemaine. These sessions were a source of enjoyment and inspiration, thanks to the quality of teaching and the camaraderie among my fellow students. The supportive environment helped foster both academic and personal growth, and I am grateful for the connections I made with peers and educators alike.

While the semester was rewarding, it also provided significant challenges. The greater responsibilities and expectations placed on me as a senior medical student pushed me out of my comfort zone. There came times when the demands appeared overwhelming, but facing these challenges head-on with the support of my supervisors allowed me to learn, adapt, and grow. I became more confident in my clinical abilities and more resilient in managing the pressures of the medical profession.

Looking ahead to Semester 2, I am excited to begin my hospital placement in Mildura, where I will rotate through Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Psychiatry. I am especially looking forward to experiencing the strong emphasis on Indigenous health in Mildura, given the large Indigenous community there. I am eager to see how Indigenous health is woven into clinical practice, to learn from the community, and to contribute meaningfully as a future doctor. Being able to participate in this aspect of care will be an important learning opportunity, and I hope to become more involved with the broader community during my time there. In addition, I am keen to apply the skills and lessons I have learned in general practice to these new clinical environments and continue my professional development. In particular, my learning goals include gaining confidence in managing acute presentations, improving my communication with children and families in paediatrics, enhancing my ability to provide empathetic care in psychiatry, and developing a stronger understanding of women’s health during my obstetrics and gynaecology rotation. I also hope to strengthen my clinical reasoning, practice procedural skills, and become more effective at working within multidisciplinary teams.

Reflecting on Semester 1, I feel a strong sense of progress toward my goal of becoming a junior doctor. The experiences of this semester have provided a realistic glimpse into my future career, and I am motivated to keep building on this foundation. I am grateful for the support of my teachers, peers, and patients, all of whom have played an important role in my journey thus far.

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.