I am Sophie L’Estrange   I am a Kalkadoon, Wiradjuri woman. I grew up on Wiradjuri Country in Condobolin and Forbes and completed my undergrad (B. Oral Health) in Wagga Wagga.

I come from a farming and working family. Since finishing my undergrad, I have moved throughout rural and remote NSW, QLD and NT. I have worked in the dental field in urban and remote NT Indigenous communities, fished and camped at the tip of Queensland and worked on cattle stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Channel Country of SWQLD.

I am passionate about all things rural and remote health, which includes Indigenous Health. I am currently a Board Member for the Indigenous Dental Association Australia and have been actively involved with Indigenous Allied Health Australia for many years. Growing up in rural Australia, I witnessed first-hand the barriers many communities face in accessing quality healthcare. My background in oral health, combined with my personal and professional experiences in rural and remote settings, has driven me to address these health inequities.

Through my medical studies and future career, I aim to advocate for better healthcare access, reduce misinformation, and promote culturally responsive care for Indigenous populations. I am determined to play a role in bridging the health inequities gap as a medical practitioner. One of my core goals is to work in rural and
remote communities, where the need for healthcare professionals is greatest.

In addition to direct healthcare delivery, I am committed to advocating for policy change. As a doctor, I will continue to push for systemic change, particularly in policies affecting Indigenous health. I will advocate for culturally safe healthcare services, better recruitment and retention of healthcare workers in rural areas, and increased community-controlled funding for Indigenous health programs.

My experiences have taught me the importance of staying connected to community and being a voice for those who are often overlooked. As a doctor, I will continue to use my platform to advocate for the health and wellbeing of priority groups, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed..

Starting third year has been one of the most significant transitions in my med degree as I commenced full-time clinical placements through the Medical Education Central Australia (MECA) program in Alice Springs. Moving from predominantly classroom-based learning into the clinical environment has transformed the way I approach medicine, allowing me to apply my knowledge while learning directly from patients, clinicians, and the healthcare team.

A major focus for me this semester has been developing confidence in clinical practice. While there have been many moments that challenged my confidence, each patient interaction has become an opportunity to learn and grow. The hands-on nature of clinical placements has been the biggest boost to my learning thus far. Relocating to Alice Springs has been wonderful. Both the lifestyle change and the medicine. Being exposed to rural and remote medicine has highlighted both the complexities and rewards of caring for diverse communities.

Outside of medicine, maintaining balance continues to be an important priority. Spending time outdoors with my horses remains a valuable way to recharge and reflect after busy weeks on placement, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to bring this part of my life with me. Preserving this balance has helped me remain engaged, resilient, and present throughout the demands of clinical training.

The second half of third year will bring our clinical OSCE, with many hours of study and practice ahead. Third year is widely regarded as the most challenging of the degree, and I know the coming months will require continued dedication and perseverance. At the same time, I feel far more capable than I did at the beginning of the year. Looking back, I can see how much I have grown in both confidence and clinical ability, and I am excited to continue building on these foundations as I work towards completing this important stage of my training.

I remain deeply grateful for the continued support of my scholarship provider, whose investment has enabled me to fully embrace these invaluable clinical learning experiences.