Since pursuing Medicine, I have established a few objectives for myself which I will stay true to my career as a qualified medical practitioner. The first is that I will ensure to always dedicate part of my working career to bettering the quality of and access to health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. This is of course influenced by the inequities my own family has faced and those of my Indigenous friends’ families as well. I continue to stay in touch with the health issues that exist in remote communities through my involvement with societies like the Rural Allied Health and Medical Society and the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association and I would like to extend this involvement to speak on issues and inspiring future Indigenous doctors.

Secondly, I would like to complete a rural placement in an Indigenous community. Not only would I gain valuable skills and experience due to the lack of health practitioners, I would have an opportunity to establish a strong relationship with the people of the community and work to re-gain their trust in the health system which has been degraded generation to generation. i understand that having a compassionate and understanding doctor in these communities is so incredibly important to creating better health outcomes of our people.

Further to a rural placement, I would like to practice back home in my regional area, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie or surrounding areas. It is really important to me that I go back to where I was raised and bring fresh knowledge and expertise wherever it is needed. Additionally, in every location worked I would gain valuable insight into the specific health needs of that community and adapt. I would think that my placements are studying in Sydney and then hopefully a rural location would prepare me well for this placement.

I have taken a specific interest in Obstetrics which may change during the course of my study as I am not limiting myself , however, I am very interested in having a had in facilitation the practice of ‘birthing in country’ which allows Indigenous women to have their babies on land where they feel comfortable and around their loved ones.

I would like to work in rural and regional areas where I can create good relationships and connection with the patients in that community and hopefully inspire the youth in those areas to also give back.

Over the past six months, my medical studies have been both challenging and deeply rewarding, and I am sincerely grateful for the support of my Rotary Scholarship, which has made these experiences possible. A major highlight during this period was completing and presenting my fourth-year research project at the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) Conference. My research examined hepatitis C testing, treatment uptake and cure rates among Aboriginal and non-Indigenous Australians using data from the National Point-of-Care Testing Program. The findings demonstrated encouraging progress toward equitable health outcomes and reinforced the importance of community-led, culturally safe models of care. Presenting this work at a national Indigenous medical conference was a particularly meaningful experience and affirmed my commitment to improving health equity through both clinical practice and research.

In addition to my academic work, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Queensland Murri Carnival, working in the medical tent under the supervision of a general practitioner and paramedics. This experience provided valuable hands-on exposure to acute and sports-related presentations in a community setting. I assisted with the assessment and management of injuries including shoulder dislocations, wound suturing, and concussion assessments. Volunteering at a major Aboriginal sporting event reinforced the importance of accessible, culturally safe medical care and allowed me to develop practical clinical skills while serving community members directly.

In January, I commenced fifth year of medicine with a General Medicine rotation focused on Cardiology, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. This placement has provided invaluable clinical experience. Being involved in the assessment and care of patients has strengthened my confidence, clinical reasoning, and appreciation for timely, evidence-based intervention.

The opportunities I have had over the past six months clearly reflect the meaningful difference your support makes. The Rotary Scholarship has enabled me to focus on my studies, contribute to community and research initiatives, and continue developing into a compassionate and capable future doctor. I am very thankful for your ongoing generosity and belief in my education.