Miah is a proud Wirjradi woman driven by her passion for medical equality and equity. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing with provisional entry to the Doctor of Medicine program at the University of Queensland. Miah is an advocate for Indigenous health, conscious of the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and the lack of common healthcare in rural communities. She was exceptional in secondary schooling, graduating from Toowoomba Anglican School with an exceptional ATAR and numerous academic and leadership awards.

Miah also completed a merit-based appointment as a Youth Leader for Toowoomba Regional Council and Student Liaison Officer for Rosie’s Food on the Streets at her school. Alongside Miah’s academia, she is also an avid sportswoman Miah’s work with Netball Queensland’s Inaugural Youth Advisory Board, where she spoke at several conferences, can be seen in the Netball Australia and Netball Queensland inclusive uniform policy- a first for any sporting code in Australia.

Her selection into Netball Queensland’s High-Performance Umpire Squad (2022-2024) is a credit to her resilience and devotion to her academics and sporting pursuits. Miah is honoured to receive the Australian Rotary Indigenous Health Scholarship and is excited for the year ahead.

Over the next five years, I will gain hands-on experience through clinical placements in rural and remote areas, enabling me to become a well-rounded medical practitioner capable of providing essential healthcare services to Indigenous peoples. Upon graduating as a Doctor of Medicine in 2029, I envision myself working and learning collaboratively within the Rural Generalist Pathway to create and implement care plans tailored to the unique needs of patients across a vast geographical area in regional Queensland. I am dedicated to bridging the healthcare gap in these areas by implementing culturally sensitive, community-driven strategies that include the diverse needs of Indigenous populations.

In the next ten years, I aim to contribute actively to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, delivering timely and critical medical care to remote communities. I will do so by understanding and respecting the unique Indigenous culture, customs, and beliefs, building trust with Elders, and involving them in the decision-making process of their mob’s health needs. I hope to advocate for policies addressing Indigenous peoples’ issues, such as increasing vaccine clinics and promoting culturally safe medical practices, including Birthing on Country. I am excited to develop my skills and knowledge further. With dedication and reflection, I am confident that I can significantly contribute to improving Indigenous health outcomes in Australia.

My name is Miah Hickman. I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the Rotary Health Scholarship, which I was honoured to receive. This scholarship has significantly impacted my final year, semester one of nursing, and I am excited to share the progress and experiences I have gained this past semester and my learnings as I look to embark on my Medical Doctorate in January.

While in theatres in Toowoomba, I had the unique opportunity to experience various medical disciplines, including Otolaryngology, Orthopaedics, Trauma, and Urology specialties. This invaluable exposure allowed me to observe and participate in a wide range of surgical procedures. Each day presented new challenges and learning opportunities, pushing me to grow professionally and personally.

In the Otolaryngology department, I gained a deeper understanding of head and neck surgeries, which honed my attention to detail and precision. Working alongside Orthopaedic surgeons, I developed skills in handling complex fractures and joint replacements, enhancing my ability to think critically under pressure. The Trauma and Urology specialties exposed me to urgent and delicate cases, teaching me the importance of quick decision-making and teamwork in high-stress environments.

These diverse experiences have significantly contributed to my growth as a development practitioner. I have become more confident in my clinical skills, empathetic towards patients, and adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. This placement has solidified my passion for healthcare and has motivated me to strive for excellence in all aspects of my education and future Medical career.

I am immensely grateful for the Rotary Health Scholarship, which enabled me to cover my accommodation costs during this crucial period. Without this financial support, managing the expenses of living in Toowoomba while undertaking such an intensive placement would have been incredibly challenging. Your generosity has allowed me to focus entirely on my studies and practical experiences, ensuring I can continue to put my best foot forward clinically and academically.

The impact of this scholarship extends beyond financial assistance; it represents a vote of confidence in my abilities and potential as a future healthcare professional. Your support has inspired me to aim higher and work harder, knowing that there are people who believe in my journey and are willing to invest in my success.

Once again, thank you for your kindness and generosity. I sincerely appreciate the Rotary Health Scholarship and the opportunities it has provided me. I am committed to making the most of this support and giving back to the community in the future, just as you have generously supported me.