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.

Reflecting on Semester 2 of 2024, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride as I recount my experiences and achievements, both academically and personally. I am deeply thankful to Australian Rotary Health for their ongoing support through the Indigenous Health Scholarship, which has been instrumental in enabling me to pursue my goals.

This semester marked a significant milestone in my nursing journey as I completed my final placement on Stradbroke Island with the Yulu Burri-Ba Indigenous Health Organisation. Over eight weeks, I had the privilege of engaging in a wide range of healthcare services, from maternity screenings to conducting 715 Indigenous health checks. This experience was deeply rewarding and profoundly meaningful to me as an Indigenous woman. Being able to give back to my community, to work with and for mob, filled me with immense pride and reinforced my commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

Another highlight of this semester was receiving my official letter of acceptance to begin the Doctor of Medicine program at The University of Queensland in 2025. This achievement represents the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of my family, mentors, and organisations like Australian Rotary Health. I am thrilled to embark on this next chapter of my journey, knowing it will bring me closer to my dream of becoming a doctor and making a meaningful impact in Indigenous health.

On a personal note, my family welcomed a beautiful border collie named Louie this semester. Since starting my holidays, I’ve been home and have had the chance to bond with him. He is the cutest and has brought so much joy and laughter to our household. These moments of connection and relaxation with my family have been a wonderful way to recharge after a busy and fulfilling semester.

I am immensely looking forward to celebrating Christmas this year with my extended family in Toowoomba, with aunties and uncles travelling from rural New South Wales and Queensland this year for the special few days. I have a little cousin I will get to meet for the first time, and I am beyond excited.

As I reflect on this period of growth and achievement, I am reminded of the profound impact of the Australian Rotary Health Indigenous Health Scholarship. Your support has not only provided financial assistance but has also been a source of encouragement and inspiration. Thank you for believing in me and empowering me to pursue my passion for healthcare. I look forward to continuing this journey with a heart full of gratitude and a steadfast commitment to giving back to the community.