As a proud Minag-Wadjari Noongar woman, I strive to strengthen the representation of Indigenous women in the health field, as building a stronger workforce of Aboriginal clinicians, is essential to providing culturally secure care in Indigenous patients.

Throughout my time in medical school, I have naturally been drawn to the teaching of cultural awareness and cultural safety, particularly through the frameworks of clinical yarning and country healing.   As a medical student, I have dedicated time into projects tat further the education of cultural safety teaching, particularly through my role as a Aboriginal cadet at Fiona Stanley Hospital, and as the Indigenous Chair on the WAMSS (Western Australian Medical Students Society).

Through my work as (hopefully) an Indigenous paediatrician, I would like to focus a large part of my career on the Indigenous youth, looking directly at diseases and inherited disorders that disproportionately affect our Aboriginal children.  In particular, I wish to dedicate my studies and research project in Year 3 of medicine, to studying Rheumatic Heart Disease an its disproportionate effects on First Nations children.    Through my time at Perth Children’s Hospital with the Aboriginal Doctors Immersion program, I met with inspiring epidemiologists and infectious disease specialists who are looking to work with Indigenous doctors and med students to research and ameliorate the outcomes that these disease have on our youth.

This year, as a final-year medical student, I have had the privilege of completing a range of clinical rotations, including Oncology and Palliative Care, Emergency Medicine, ENT and Paediatric ENT, Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, General Surgery, and Dermatology. Each placement has broadened my clinical knowledge, honed my practical skills, and helped me grow as a compassionate future doctor.

My time in Oncology and Palliative Care was particularly meaningful on a deeply personal level. My mother battled and passed away from breast cancer when I was a young girl, and returning to that space as part of the treating team was profoundly moving. It was a privilege to be involved in the care of patients and families navigating some of the most challenging times of their lives, and I was inspired by the compassion and dedication of the teams I worked alongside. This
rotation also gave me the opportunity to engage in oncology research focussing on outcomes in First Nations people and the social determinants of health that contribute to this.

I have also developed a strong passion for paediatrics, particularly through my ENT and paediatric ENT rotations. ENT is an area close to my heart, as conditions like otitis media with effusion and hearing loss disproportionately affect Aboriginal children. I have found this area of medicine deeply rewarding and am particularly motivated to explore its research aspects, with the hope of contributing to improved health outcomes for Indigenous children.

Emergency Medicine was another highlight of this year. I loved the highly acute presentations, the need for immediate decision-making, and the teamwork involved in delivering rapid and effective care. This dynamic environment challenged me to grow clinically and solidified my appreciation for the importance of emergency care in our healthcare system.

Beyond my clinical experiences, one of the most profound moments this year was attending a ceremony honouring my two ancestors who served in World War I but were never formally acknowledged due to their Aboriginality. The King’s Park service was to honour and pay respects to the Indigenous veterans who served in wars and conflicts from the Boer war until now. Nine Indigenous men were formally acknowledged for sacrificing their lives more than a century ago, two of
which were my ancestors Corporal Augustus Pegg Farmer and Private Larry Farmer.

This ceremony was deeply moving and a reminder of the strength and resilience of my family and community, further motivating me to use my platform as an Indigenous doctor to advocate for equity and representation in healthcare.

I am pleased to share that I have successfully submitted my internship applications and have been formally accepted to commence my internship at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital next year. This represents a significant milestone in my medical training, and I am nervous but excited by the news.

None of these achievements or experiences would have been possible without the incredible support of this scholarship.  Your generosity has not only eased the financial burden of medical school but has also empowered me to embrace opportunities for growth, research, and advocacy. Thank you for investing in me and in the next generation of Indigenous doctors. Your support has had a profound impact on my journey, and I look forward to carrying these lessons and values
into my career as a doctor.