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.

As I sit and reflect on my first semester of medical school, I feel a deep sense of pride, gratitude, and hope for what lies ahead. Beginning my journey in medicine this year has been an experience like no other — one that has already challenged me, uplifted me, and shown me the power of community and resilience.

Starting medical school has been amazing but at times incredibly challenging. The workload, the steep learning curve, and the emotional demands of studying medicine can feel relentless. There have been moments when I have questioned myself, but it’s in those moments that I remind myself why I am here and who I am doing this for. I am pushing myself far beyond what I thought was possible, and each week I feel myself growing not just as a student but as a future doctor, a proud Wiradjuri person, and an advocate for better health outcomes for our mob.

This year I have also taken active steps to look after my own wellbeing, which has been so important to stay balanced and grounded. One of the best things I have done is stepping out of my comfort zone and starting CrossFit. I had never imagined myself in that kind of environment, but it has been one of the most rewarding decisions I have made. Being surrounded by like-minded, hardworking people — both in the gym and in my medical cohort — keeps me motivated and reminds me of the strength we all hold within us when we lift each other up.

I often reflect on how truly fortunate I am to be here. This opportunity would not be possible without the generous support of the ARH Indigenous Health Scholarship donors. Your belief in students like me makes an enormous difference. Without this scholarship, I would not be able to attend university and pursue my dream of becoming a doctor. Your support has lifted a huge financial burden and given me the freedom to focus wholeheartedly on my studies, my community, and my wellbeing. For that, I am endlessly grateful.

As I think about this year’s NAIDOC theme — The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy — I feel an even greater sense of purpose. Being a proud Wiradjuri woman means I carry with me the strength and resilience of those who came before me. I am determined to honour that legacy by helping to create meaningful and equitable change for Indigenous Australians. I want to be part of the next generation of First Nation doctors who are not only excellent clinicians but also strong advocates, leaders and role models for our young ones.

Thank you again to everyone who makes this scholarship possible. Your generosity gives students like me the chance to transform our lives and communities. I hope to one day give back in the same way you have given to me.

I am excited for what the next semester will bring and I look forward to continuing this journey with strength, vision and a commitment to building a legacy that uplifts our people.