Sarah Blackwell, a proud Wiradjuri woman, traces her familial roots from the Mudgee area to the Wellington region of New South Wales, deep into Wiradjuri country. Despite her immediate family residing in Mt Druitt, Sarah’s upbringing unfolded on Darug and Gundungurra country in Penrith and the lower Blue Mountains region. This rich cultural environment has profoundly shaped Sarah’s outlook and fuelled her unwavering dedication to serving Indigenous communities within her medical career.

In 2023, Sarah embarked on a transformative journey by relocating to immerse herself in rural healthcare and forge meaningful connections with Indigenous communities. This pivotal decision marked a turning point in her path, igniting her passion for addressing healthcare disparities in these underserved areas. Fast forward to 2024, Sarah’s 12-month rural placement was extended, encompassing the final year of her medical studies. This extension solidifies her commitment to serving rural and Indigenous populations, as she completes the last years of her medical degree as a rural student.

Currently a fourth-year Medical Student at the University of Sydney, Sarah already holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science, has volunteered in many Indigenous programs and, is the current Aboriginal representative for her Rural health societies. Breaking barriers, she stands as one of the first members of her family to pursue higher education, driven by her profound dedication to rural health and Indigenous well-being.

As a Wiradyuri yinna (woman) studying in Dubbo, I’ve witnessed firsthand the health disparities affecting Indigenous communities. My goal is to specialize in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, advocating for culturally appropriate birthing guidelines to improve Indigenous maternal and infant health. However, this is far off dream and there are more important everyday actions I can do in my medical practice improve Indigenous health.

I will also advocate for inclusive healthcare education to challenge discriminatory practices and raise awareness of Indigenous health challenges. Additionally, I will educate myself on available services to address intergenerational trauma and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. I’m dedicated to building partnerships with local communities and elders to co-develop health initiatives tailored to diverse needs. This is because collaborative efforts are crucial and must transcend specialties and professions to create meaningful impacts.

My recent time in Darwin, travelling out to remote communities like Galiwinku, emphasised the importance of recognizing the diversity within Indigenous communities to tailor healthcare services to meet diverse needs. A place such as Galiwinku is very different to Wiradyuri country in rural NSW, and healthcare services must reflect this. I’m committed to creating culturally supportive healthcare programs that address unique community issues, ultimately improving the health of my future Indigenous patients.

My commitment to improving Indigenous health is rooted in understanding historical, cultural, and systemic factors. While aspiring to make a difference as an OBGYN, I embrace daily cultural competence, foster partnerships, engage in education and advocacy, and tailor healthcare services to contribute meaningfully to positive transformation.