JOURNEYS INTO MEDICINE - THE AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS DOCTORS' ASSOCIATION
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Journeys into medicine The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association
Journeys
into
medicine
2
CONTENTS
07 INTRODUCTION
11 Professor Helen Milroy
13 Associate Professor Peter O’Mara
Journeys into Medicine
15 Dr Louis Peachey
The Australian Indigenous
Doctors’ Association 17 Associate Professor Noel Hayman
AIDA wishes to acknowledge:
19 Dr Mark Wenitong
Ms Kerrynne Liddle – writer
Mr Wayne Quilliam – photographer
21 Dr Tamara Mackean
Mr Hardy Lohse – photographer
23 Associate Professor Ngiare Brown
General Practice Education and Training Limited
(for photo of Dr ShannoncSpringer) 25 DR ALEX BROWN
The AIDA Journeys into Medicine Working Group:
Associate Professor Peter O’Mara 27 Dr Latisha Petterson
Dr Shannon Springer
Ms Danielle Arabena 29 Dr Marilyn Clarke
Mr Shannon Price
Ms Mary Guthrie 31 Dr Shannon Springer
Mr Hardy Lohse
33 Dr Stephanie Trust
The AIDA Journeys into Medicine Project was
funded by the Department of Health and Ageing. 35 Dr Kiarna Adams
First published in October 2009 by the 37 Dr Luke Burchill
Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association Ltd.
39 MS Danielle Arabena
This work is copyright. It may be reproduced in whole or
in part for study or training purposes, or by Aboriginal 41 MS AMANDA RICHARDS
and Torres Strait Islander community organisations
subject to an acknowledgement of the source and not for 43 MS Catherine Engelke
commercial use or sale. Reproduction for other purposes
by other organisations requires the written permission of 45 MS Casey Papamanolis
the copyright holders.
47 MR BJ (Beimop) TAPIM
ISBN: [978-0-646-52119-0]
Design: Sculpt Communications
49 MR SHANNON PRICE
4
INTRODUCTION
Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association
The Australian Indigenous They were looking for a way Indigenous graduates and students population, more equitable health
Doctors’ Association (AIDA) is a to support and maintain the at the Salamander Bay gathering. outcomes, a strong Indigenous
not-for-profit, non-government relationships they had developed It soon became very clear that health workforce and a culturally
organisation dedicated to the pursuit during their years of study and a collegiate support was essential in safe health system.
of leadership, partnership and mechanism for collegiate support as maintaining the balance between Past President and a founding
scholarship in Aboriginal and Torres their careers developed. culture and medicine and in keeping member, Dr Mark Wenitong, did not
Strait Islander health, education and “At the 1996 Newcastle Medical our identity as Indigenous doctors expect AIDA would come this far.
workforce, with a vision that is today School graduation celebrations, the strong and healthy. Having our “We emerged at the right time and
much broader than its initial focus of total number of Indigenous medical own doctors association through we had the right connections.”
supporting Indigenous doctors and graduates from the University the establishment of AIDA has “Medical schools were looking
students. reached double figures. This struck been enormously important for me for a point of reference and
The beginnings of AIDA can be me as an appropriate time to throughout my career”, Professor government was asking for advice
traced back to the work of some of write a letter to this small body of Milroy said. at a time when Australia was
the first Indigenous doctors including graduates, urging the establishment At the time of the Salamander trying to address the poor state of
Dr Louis Peachey, Dr Mark Wenitong of an alumni association to support Bay meeting there were less than Indigenous health. It wasn’t long
and Dr Ngiare Brown (all graduates our students who were still coming 15 Indigenous doctors. By 2010 before AIDA became an important
of University of Newcastle), and through. There was no inkling then that figure is expected to reach part of the policy scene alongside
Associate Professor Noel Hayman that it had the potential to be a approximately 150. other professional bodies,” recalls
(University of Queensland). Mr Alan truly national organisation,” recalls Indigenous doctors are finding Dr Wenitong.
Eldridge was also critically involved Dr Louis Peachey, AIDA’s Founding their niche in diverse areas across AIDA attracted the support of
in the early development of AIDA. President. the profession. There are those influential Australians as evidenced
Dr Mark Wenitong and Ms Gail Professor Helen Milroy, a Child who are working in Aboriginal by a number of eminent patrons that
Garvey (University of Newcastle) and Adolescent Psychiatrist in Community Controlled Health include Sir William Deane AC, KBE,
were instrumental in arranging Western Australia, obtained her services, some working in medical QC, Professor Lowitja O’Donoghue
a meeting at Salamander Bay in medical degree from the University education and those who are AC CBE, Mr Jimmy Little OAM
New South Wales in March 1997, of Western Australia in 1983 and is working to influence policy in and former Australian Democrats
to discuss the idea of forming an understood to be the first Aboriginal government and non-government senator, Mr Aden Ridgeway.
organisation that would provide doctor in Australia. organisations. All share AIDA’s Former Governor-General,
collegiate support for Indigenous “I remember being very excited vision of creating a healthier Sir William Deane said that he
medical graduates and students. at the prospect of meeting other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander was privileged to be involved
6 JOURNEYS INTO MEDICINE 7
“With our numbers growing within the
profession our voices will undoubtedly grow
louder and stronger and that can only mean a
better future for our children.”
•A boriginal and Torres Strait important and I can see opportunities and Torres Strait Islander people will undoubtedly grow louder and
with AIDA from its inception. “I am proud to support an “AIDA was a collective of people Islander people have equitable for building and generating new take up offers from medical schools, stronger and that can only mean a
“The need for an organisation organisation that has good who needed to be part of the health and life outcomes. knowledge and more scholarships to graduate as doctors and remain in better future for our children.”
which encouraged, supported and governance at its heart.” discussion and debate, and so it • T here is parity of Aboriginal support student doctors, but these the profession. He also added that AIDA will
represented Indigenous doctors was “With an early career in health was important from my perspective and Torres Strait Islander health opportunities will be led by AIDA’s “It is those who have successfully advocate for stronger connections
overwhelmingly obvious”, he recalls. as one of the first Aboriginal to raise awareness in Parliament professionals across the entire members,” Dr Wenitong said. navigated their way through medical between education and health to
“National focus was, at long nurses, I encourage Aboriginal about the contribution they could health sector. Associate Professor Peter O’Mara, school and through the profession prepare Indigenous students for
last, being directed towards the health professionals to be true to make to the business of health,” Mr •A IDA is seen as a medical AIDA’s current President, knew that who have a pivotal role in supporting opportunities in medicine.
appalling state of Indigenous themselves as Aboriginal people, Ridgeway recalls. professional body with a central AIDA was a fantastic idea from the others on their journey.” In this publication, Indigenous
health and the disgraceful disparity and then as professionals I believe AIDA was registered as an role in the health and wellbeing of beginning and will continue to build “Indigenous medical students can doctors and medical students have
between Indigenous and non- they will be able to do better.” incorporated body in 1998. It the nation. on the good work that has already have many additional expectations generously shared their Journey into
Indigenous life expectancy. And “Their relationships not only to quickly developed into a strong and • The Australian health system been done and be responsive to placed on them. We want our Medicine – their challenges and
there was a growing awareness Aboriginal people, but also to other influential national organisation is culturally safe, high quality, whatever the future holds. students to know that they have a their triumphs. Their careers before
of how important it was that Aboriginal health professionals representing Indigenous doctors reflective of need, and respects “AIDA’s success comes directly wider family of doctors and health medicine and the experiences within
“It is those
there be a strong and vibrant body who with them work to improve and medical students while and integrates Aboriginal and from its people. Every aspect of professionals who can provide a medical schools and within the
of Indigenous doctors with the health equity will be crucial for who have strengthening its position as a Torres Strait Islander cultural the organisation is critical and our sounding board - so that they can medical profession are as different
knowledge of Indigenous needs and change for our people,” Professor successfully leading Indigenous organisation values. people are central to that,” said concentrate on studying hard to as the stories themselves.
cultures and the medical expertise to O’Donoghue said. with a central role in improving the In 2007/2008 AIDA underwent Associate Professor O’Mara. get their qualification,” Associate Journeys is for high school
lead the way.” As an Australian Democrats
navigated their health and wellbeing of Aboriginal a constitutional review and moved As the number of Indigenous Professor Brown said. students contemplating their future,
“Since those early days I have Senator, Aden Ridgeway was way through and Torres Strait Islander people. from an Association to a Company doctors increases each year, for “Having Indigenous doctors university students studying within
followed the development and instrumental in using his political medical school Today it is well placed to influence Limited by Guarantee. The new Associate Professor Peter O’Mara represented across the entire medical schools, anyone who has
achievements of AIDA, and the connections to help position AIDA Indigenous health, education and constitution better reflects AIDA’s the challenge for AIDA will be medical profession would be a major considered a career in medicine and
success of its members with great as an integral contributor on and through health workforce and is committed current direction and will also guide maintaining the feeling of being one achievement for AIDA. The benefits those who work in partnership with
admiration and increasing hope for matters of Indigenous health. the profession to working with a wide range of the organisation towards a positive big family – an organisation that is of building a specialised Indigenous Indigenous doctors within the health
the future,” said Sir William Deane. “I saw AIDA as a crucial stakeholders to produce positive, and strong future. something much more personal than medical workforce are enormous and sector.
Former nurse and inaugural development on the landscape
who have a practical, sustainable and tangible For Dr Mark Wenitong, AIDA’s the provision of collegiate support. would contribute significantly to the Journeys is for those with an
chair of the Aboriginal and Torres - particularly because it was an pivotal role outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres role will continue to evolve as any Associate Professor Ngiare health and wellbeing of our people ,” interest in learning about the
Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC), organisation that had emerged in supporting Strait Islander peoples. dynamic, responsive organisation Brown – one of AIDA’s pioneering said AIDA Chief Executive Officer, Mr challenges and triumphs of Australia’s
Professor Lowitja O’Donoghue was from the self-determination of AIDA’s vision is to create a should and he predicts it will become doctors, and foundation Chief Romlie Mokak. growing number of Indigenous
happy to be involved in the early Aboriginal people. I was happy
others on their healthier Aboriginal and Torres Strait even more proactive. Executive Officer, cites the critical “With our numbers growing medical students and doctors.
days of AIDA and remains a patron. to wave the flag.” journey.” Islander population where: “Succession planning will be role of mentors to ensure Aboriginal within the profession our voices It is a book for everyone.
8 JOURNEYS INTO MEDICINE 9
Professor Helen Milroy
“From an Aboriginal perspective healing and health are compatible with
child psychiatry. It is about understanding the person and not just
the problem, taking an holistic approach. It is very rewarding to see
children that have had a difficult time doing well. There is no greater
reward than to see a child happy.”
for Aboriginal medical and dental
My family are Palyku from the When I went to medical school at to decide which battles you are going students at the University of Western
Pilbara region in WA, around the the University of Western Australia to take on. Australia. Though busy, I take time
Marble Bar. This is my grandmother’s it was, and still is, an undergraduate After I graduated from medicine out for myself and for the things I like
country. course. It was a six-year course I did my mandatory intern year. I to do.
It is thought that I was the first where the first few years focused then did two years as a resident and I think it’s important to have a bit
Indigenous doctor, but I would on health sciences and the rest on I trained as a GP. I did five years in of humility in the way you approach
like people to understand that in clinical practice. General Practice and it was during work and to recognize that you are
recognition of our traditional healers, Having gone straight from high that time that I did some work as a still just one of the mob. Our strength
I am not. I am possibly the first in school into university, I started consultant in childhood sexual abuse should come from knowing that we
terms of a western perspective – university as a science student. After at Princess Margaret Hospital. It are part of a tradition of healing that
such as graduating from a medical the first year I applied for entry into was partly through that work that I has been practised for thousands of
school; but we had our own healers the medical school. I did a short exam decided to specialise in psychiatry. generations and that we continue
previously and their work is still and passed an interview and because I entered specialist training in in the healing path of our ancestors.
important today. my science subjects were accredited child psychiatry in 1991 and worked One of the hardest things we have
Our family already had traditional as part of the medical degree I went part-time because I had two young to do is balance our cultural learning
healers among us before I decided straight into second year medicine. children. I sat my exams and qualified western knowledge and to get the
Professor
health was to be my career path, so I was 18 when I started medicine for Fellowship in 2000. My hard balance right.
medicine was just a contemporary and back then there was no support work was rewarded with the Mark I hope that as “trailblazing
expression of that. My grandmother program for Aboriginal students Sheldon Medal that is awarded to Indigenous doctors” we have made
had a lot of healing ways and her and very few Aboriginal students a psychiatrist or other individual for the path a little bit easier, so that
Helen
brother was also a traditional healer. at university. When I reflect on that meritorious service to or research in future trainee doctors don’t have to
It was something that I sort of grew time, I guess I tried to be invisible so Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander face the challenges and barriers that
up with. I didn’t get pointed out. mental health and the Roley Richards we had to. My daughter is currently
My family was so proud. I For the medical school and the Award for the most meritorious studying medicine and I know her
Milroy
remember when we would go health sector I think I was a bit of a dissertation in trauma studies. battles will be different to mine and
shopping my grandmother would go novelty. I think sometimes they didn’t I am currently involved in clinical I am excited about the prospect of
up to strangers in a shopping centre quite know what to make of me, work with a mainstream mental two generations of doctors within our
and say “that’s my grand-daughter; or what to do with me. As a doctor health service for children 0-18 family.
MBBS, FRANZCP, CATCAP she’s going to be a doctor”. It was there are so many demands on you. It years, while the rest of my time is as I look forward to a time when we
actually quite embarrassing, but to is easy to get caught up thinking we Director of the Centre for Aboriginal can say this is the 1000th Indigenous
Psychiatrist, Western Australia, see the smile and the pride on her can be all things to all people, but to Medical and Dental Health (CAMDH) medical school graduate and it just
President, AIDA, 2004 – 2005 face was lovely. We were very close. ensure you avoid burn out you have – a teaching and support centre becomes the norm.
10 JOURNEYS INTO MEDICINE 11
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR Peter O’Mara
ASSOCIATE
PROFESSOR I was raised in the small Peachey. Seeing and hearing Louis I also work as a GP in an Aboriginal
Peter
township of Paxton, outside of helped me to realise that medicine community controlled health service,
Cessnock in the Hunter Valley region was possible. I got hold of all the and my AIDA Board responsibilities
in New South Wales. I went to information I needed, applied and keep me busy, too. As an Indigenous
Cessnock High School. My people was accepted into the University of doctor, I know how important it is to
O’Mara
are Wiradjuri from central New Newcastle. recharge and reconnect with country
South Wales. When things got hard, I would and family. I also try to have a life
Immediately upon finishing school recall a conversation with my away from politics and medicine and
I got an apprenticeship in the coal grandmother back when I was about have a farm where my family raises
B Med, FRACGP, FARGP, Grad Dip Rural mines as a fitter machinist, which eight years old where she convinced cattle. With such a contrast between
meant I worked underground as me that I could do anything I wanted work and home it means that it is not
Tobwabba Aboriginal Medical
a mine mechanic. At that time I in life. That talk was, and is, never far hard for me to pull back. It is those
Service, University of Newcastle thought that was the best job I from my mind. I graduated in 1999.
“Medicine has things that help sustain me, and I
President, AIDA, 2009 could hope to achieve. I was always I like to think the transition from changed my exercise almost every day.
interested in medicine, but believed fitter to doctor is not so strange. Our own communities are well
life. I love this
the stereotypical view that it was After all, you are still just fixing placed to verify how important
doctors’ children and rich people things – but people are so much job. It is truly Indigenous doctors are. I am always
who went into medicine. It never more interesting, and complex. incredible to taken aback by the sense of pride
entered my mind that I could do it. I currently hold the position of shown in our Indigenous doctors by
After an accident, which resulted Associate Professor, Indigenous
know that I can our communities. We must however
in a back injury, it was clear I could Medical Education and Head of make a positive also continue to support Indigenous
not keep working in the mines. Discipline – Indigenous Health at contribution doctors who choose not to work in
I decided to become a clinical the University of Newcastle. I love Indigenous health, because while
psychologist, because I enjoyed teaching. to individual they may not have direct contact,
talking to people, and so I did a Teaching medical students is people’s lives we know that their influence will
foundation course to get me into a so very rewarding. It is important flow back to our people and to
Bachelor of Arts, majoring in biology to support Indigenous students to
and I know Indigenous health.
and psychology. become the very best doctors. It’s there’s also a If you are thinking about doing
However, it was a couple of years vital that all medical students are flow-on effect medicine, then have a go. If you find
into that course that I saw a TV trained to treat Indigenous patients it is not what you like, then that’s fine
interview with one of Australia’s competently. It is these things that
to people in our too – better to try than to spend the
first Indigenous doctors – Dr Louis will contribute to “closing the gap.” communities.” rest of your life wondering.
12 JOURNEYS INTO MEDICINE 13
Dr Louis Peachey
Dr
Louis “I am not sure that anyone or anything could have prepared us
for the challenges of becoming Aboriginal doctors.”
Peachey
B Med, FACRRM, James Cook University,
I had just resigned from a
government job in Cairns when Frank
Lake, who was in charge of the
Cairns office of DETYA (Department
we were cousins, or just play along
that I was meeting these folk for the
first time. Clearly discretion was the
better part of valour.
fabulous journey with amazing
highs and unimaginable lows. Mum
and Dad didn’t tell me I couldn’t or
shouldn’t pursue a career as a doctor.
helped us to succeed was that we
were introduced to the right people.
I encourage people within medical
schools to ensure that young
Founding President, AIDA, 1999 – 2003 of Education, Training and Youth I now work as a medical educator For generations my family worked Indigenous doctors have access to
Affairs), told me about University within the Mount Isa Centre for Rural the land – and so it was something the people that can support them
of Newcastle opening up places for and Remote Health, which is part unusual to do medicine. It was only in to get through. Those are the things
Aboriginal people in their medical of James Cook University. Mostly my second year after graduation, that that make a real difference.
school. I noted my interest in a burst I teach undergraduates and junior my mother realised that I really was a I love being a doctor. The
of childish bravado, without ever staff, but still spend one day a week doctor, this was really only evident in fraternity sustains me. I know
really believing such a thing would working as a GP anaesthetist at those few months just prior to Mum’s that when I need the fraternity’s
come true. A few months later I Mount Isa Base Hospital. death. support, my colleagues will face
traveled from my tribal property back Like most Murries, my family is At University of Newcastle they the adversities and stand with
to Cairns to meet a representative important to me. I have multiple used ‘Problem Based Learning’ where me, shoulder to shoulder, strength
from the medical school. heritages. Mum’s dad was from much of the learning is scenario tempered with humility.
I was told to bring a Curriculum Badtjala, Kalkadoon and Nunukul based. For me, knowing why you are My children sustain me. In my
Vitae (CV) and proof of Aboriginality. mobs and Mum’s mum was from learning something makes it easier to children’s world about half of the
I didn’t know what a CV was (or Djirubul stock, largely Girrimay. In learn. It makes it relevant. blackfellas who they call uncle or
even how to spell ‘Vitae’), and was our family our strongest attachment The medical profession is auntie are doctors. In my babies’
stumped by the idea of having to was to Girrimay, which makes us interesting. On the one hand it is world, a Murri might choose to be
prove that I was a Murri. rainforest blackfellas. The irony is very much a western institution, but a tradesman, a teacher, a vet, a
Fortunately, Uncle Bill was the never lost on me that this particular in a lot of ways the social structure dentist, or if you’re really not sure
local NAC member, whose office rainforest blackfella finds himself out is Indigenous. The Hippocratic Oath you can just fall back on medicine
was in the same building as the in the middle of the desert at Mount talks about sharing knowledge, which until you figure it out. My wife and
interview, and he was able to furnish Isa, which has been our home for is very much like the uncle/nephew my children sustain me and knowing
me with the appropriate letter to the last five years, although we will relationships we are used to in that I belong with somebody
prove my Aboriginality. At interview, move back to the land of rain and tall Aboriginal communities. sustains me.
I found myself being introduced to a trees soon. My babies know that they It was through these uncle/ Whenever we take the girls back
professor from the medical school, are rainforest babies and long to go nephew relationships that I felt I home to the rainforest, there is just
and two of my own cousins who were home. could overcome any problem. In those nothing as powerful as looking over
about to interview me. I wasn’t sure From the moment I signed up early days at medical school there land - knowing that land is mine.
if I was supposed to tell anybody that for medical school, it has been a were only a few of us, and what That sustains me.
14 JOURNEYS INTO MEDICINE 15
Associate Professor Noel Hayman
Associate
I grew up in Cleveland, Brisbane, science. I used to run a laboratory as
the third youngest of seven children. part of my work at Edgell. Looking
We were poor. Mum is Aboriginal back, practical laboratory sessions
“I love what I do. A career in
Professor
and dad was non-Indigenous and at the university were relatively easy
worked for most of his life as a because I would be out in half an
labourer for Queensland Rail. hour for a three hour practical. medicine is very fulfilling
I was the only sibling to complete The last three years of the degree and I am so pleased it gives me an
Noel
senior school and I went on to included a lot of clinical work. It was
opportunity to care for my people
complete a Bachelor of Applied in third year that I started to see
Science at Gatton College – now part patients. I graduated in 1990. and to influence Indigenous health
of the University of Queensland. After Back when I was a medical policy. If you are thinking about
Hayman
graduating I worked for the food student there were few Indigenous
processing giant, Edgell, for more doctors and only a small number
a career in medicine, then I say go
than a decade. of black academic role models. for it. I have never looked back.”
My journey into medicine began In fact, in my early days it was
with a glance at an article in the local non-Indigenous academics such could help make a difference. My current focus is to continue
BSc App; MBBS; MPH; FAFPHM (RACP); FRACGP
Sunday newspaper written by the as Professor Ernest Hunter of the Indigenous health is my passion. It to improve Indigenous access to
Physician, Inala Indigenous Health Dean of Medicine at the University University of Queensland who was all I ever wanted to do. mainstream health services and
Service, Queensland of Queensland. He was looking mentored and guided me. In those In my early days at Inala I used medical education, and for Inala to be
for Aboriginal people with science days medical schools didn’t pay focus groups to find out why people a centre of excellence for Indigenous
degrees, who were interested in much attention to Indigenous health, were not accessing the health primary health care that will be used
medicine. I responded, went through but now I give lectures on Indigenous service; at that time there were by universities and other health
their interview and testing process, health to packed lecture theatres 12 patients on its books. What we facilities to train staff in Indigenous
got in and began six years of medical in medical schools and am an were told was that there were no health. I will continue to lobby to try
training. Associate Professor at the University Aboriginal people working at the to make that happen.
I actually enjoyed being a student of Queensland. service. I was lucky enough to find I am honoured that my dedication,
again, but it was hard on family life. I did my internship at the Princess and employ an Aboriginal nurse and commitment, and my work at the
At that stage I was married with Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, it has been the Noel and Nola team Inala Health Service has been
one child, we had another in my but always wanted to focus on ever since. recognised by the Aboriginal
second year and a third while I was Aboriginal health. In 1994 I took Today Inala has three thousand community through a 2008 Deadly
an intern. Financially it was also very on responsibility for running the patients and our doctors provide Award for Outstanding Achievement
hard and stressful. My wife worked, Inala Health Service, which is over a thousand consultations a in Aboriginal and Torres Strait
and I used to get some money from located about 25 minutes from the month. Inala hosts medical students, Islander health. I was also awarded
a scholarship – but we needed to be Brisbane CBD. It is an area defined advanced trainees in paediatrics and the inaugural Australians for Native
pretty frugal with our money. as low socio-economic, with a high trains GP Registrars in what is a great Title and Reconciliation Close the
Having a science degree was a proportion of Indigenous people. It environment for teaching. I started by Gap Queensland Indigenous Health
good thing, because the first few was there that I felt my combined myself in 1994 and it is rewarding that Award. They are both awards I am
years of medicine were all about life-experience and my qualifications Inala has since grown to a staff of 24. very proud to have received.
16 JOURNEYS INTO MEDICINE 17
Dr Mark Wenitong
I am Kabi Kabi descent from south gigs at night. That was particularly to turn self-doubt into self-confidence
Queensland on the coast around tough at exam times. and recognise that a fail was not the
Noosa. My mum, who was a single I remember how in the beginning end of it. I just re-sat the exam, re-
mother, raised my four older brothers I had to fight the self-doubt about focused and got on with it.
and sisters and me in an industrial whether I should actually be there. I At the moment I am working as a
township. was in a class with smart kids who senior medical officer at Apunipima
I was the only one in my family to came straight from Year 12, but I Cape York Health Council. My work
do Year 11 and 12 – only because I worked hard in the first year and involves working with patients in
didn’t want to start working! - even got an average of about 95%. Those one-on-one settings – and I love
though my family had a strong work grades gave me the confidence to that because I know I have the
ethic. Later though some of my keep going, but I had to keep working ability to communicate well with
siblings went on to study. hard and that meant studying until Aboriginal people and that’s special.
Before going off to the University very late. As an Aboriginal doctor, our people
of Newcastle School of Medicine I I got good support from those are confident telling me things that
had been working for 11 years as a around me, and drew on the help, will help me make more informed
laboratory technician at the Darling resources, and networking that was “Medicine decisions about their care and that is
Downs Institute – now the University available through the University better for everyone.
seems like a
Dr
of South Queensland. As a technician, Aboriginal Student Support Unit. At a regional level, I contribute to
working in the pathology section My mother was really proud. As an long course, but the work of community-controlled
testing blood sent in from Cape York Aboriginal health worker she knew health organisations and I am
ask yourself
and Torres Strait, I got a real sense how important Indigenous doctors are also involved in academia and in
what will you
Mark
of how bad the health of our mob is. and my uncles were also wonderful mentoring people within the fields of
I could see that there was a lot of support. I would get handwritten be doing in five medicine and allied health. At a state
work to be done and that you had to notes from my uncles and they would and national level I actively pursue
be in a position to make the decisions send a few dollars – small change
or six years if opportunities to influence policy,
Wenitong
about what needed to be done, if you – though they did whatever they you don’t do it? because it is important for Indigenous
wanted to make a difference. could to help because my success When you think people to contribute and be involved
After going through the interview was really important to them. My in these discussions.
process I got into University of mob was, and still is, incredibly of what you can I would like to encourage
BMed, Assoc Dip Clinical Newcastle and with my then partner, supportive. accomplish in Aboriginal kids to recognise that you
and our four children, we made the Throughout my studies I only failed are smart and deadly and need to be
Laboratory Techniques big move from Cairns to Newcastle. It one thing, and though disappointing,
that time, then careful not to give up before you start
Senior Medical Officer, was a challenge working through the it was not the end of the world. I six years isn’t on your journey. If you are interested
Apunipima Cape York Health Council daily reality stuff. I was 32 and had did let the self-doubt creep in again that long, and in medicine, then find out about
a family to support, but I was also a though, and I even tried to put it your options and the support that is
President, AIDA, 2005 – 2007 musician, so I would spend a full day down to the fact that I was a Murri,
time flies so available to you to help you be what
at work and make a few dollars at but that is wrong. Instead I was able fast.” you want to be.
18 JOURNEYS INTO MEDICINE 19Dr Tamara Mackean
“People often talk about a career in medicine being lifelong learning.
It’s true. You need to be a person who always wants to learn
and be prepared to learn, because there is no end to the learning.”
I am a descendant of the Waljen the self-doubt that sometimes crept psychiatry, ophthalmology, general It’s a lot of work, but well worthwhile.
clan of the Wongai Peoples of in. I remember thinking “I don’t practice and medical education to Even with the demands of a young
the Goldfields region in Western belong here” while I was sitting next research and public health where all family, I believe that to become a
Australia. My family background is to perfect score students. Of course I of my focus now is. I am also involved Fellow is important, because if we
also Scottish and British. I attribute had every right to be there. with AIDA and have been since its need to change medical culture we
my Aboriginal mother with my I later transferred to the School inception. It is where there is a great need to participate at the Fellow
strength. I have learnt a lot from her of Medicine at the University of deal of collegiate support. level. It is at the Fellow level that
about that. New South Wales. It was very much I worked as a Senior Lecturer decisions are made about our
I did all of my schooling in the the old-style teaching; anatomy, at Flinders University in South profession and I want to ensure that,
Western Australian south coast town physiology – all the basic sciences Australia for five years in which as Indigenous people, we are part of
of Esperance, which is about half- and later the clinical sciences in time I was awarded a staff Award those discussions.
way between Albany and the South a hospital setting. Now medical for Outstanding Contribution to If you are thinking about medicine
Australian border. I enjoyed school students start clinical work a lot the University, as well as being there are things you need to give
and although I did not know what I earlier. I graduated in 1999 with a recognised nationally and receiving some thought to. You have to ask
wanted to do, I knew I liked science Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of the inaugural Limelight Award for yourself, do you have an interest in
and wanted to go to university. Surgery and was joint winner with Dr Leading Innovation in Cultural and science and like understanding how
At the end of year 12 I visited Kelvin Kong of the Alumni Award for Organisational Change in 2007. things work? You have got to really
the University of Western Australia Achievement. I am currently living in Perth and want it. It’s a long course and there’s
Dr
and Shenton House – the Aboriginal After a road accident during working as a Senior Research Fellow a large volume of material to get
Student Support Unit for students at university resulting in a spinal with the Centre for Aboriginal Medical through. If you want to do it for the
the University, and it was there that injury, and a few years later another and Dental Health at the University of money, then you should probably do
Tamara
I first learnt about medical careers accident when I was working that Western Australia (CAMDH) focusing something else! It’s important to like
for Indigenous students. The idea of compounded the injury (neither of on Indigenous Health Research. people because as well as enjoying
being a doctor just sort of popped into which were my fault), it was clear My husband, a Noongar Doctor, is interaction with your patients you
my mind. I thought, “imagine that!” that the physical work involved in studying psychiatry in Perth. also need to want to work with
Mackean
My journey into medicine being a doctor would be a challenge I am also doing a three-year post- people as you will be part of a health
began with the Aboriginal Access – but the profession still provided me graduate training program to gain professional team.
Program at the University of with many career pathways. Fellowship in the Australasian Faculty You do need a lot of patience,
Western Australia. At university, I did my internship at the Queen of Public Health Medicine, which is diplomacy and tact to sustain yourself
I stayed in residential and shared Elizabeth Hospital in Adelaide, a Faculty of the Royal Australasian in a medical career and be able
MBBS, BSci (Hons) accommodation, but sometimes it and later worked at the Adelaide College of Physicians (RACP). I started to grasp opportunities when they
DIPLOMA OF THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND was hard to be disciplined. Women’s and Children’s Hospital the Fellowship before having my son, become available to you. As well as
I had little self-confidence then where I did a Diploma in Obstetrics Tjakapirri. His name means Emu in your career focus you also need to
COLLEGE OF OBSTETRICS AND Gynaecology and remember that the idea of being and Gynaecology. I then did various Western Desert language and is in care about the things you stand for
President, AIDA, 2007 – 2009 in medicine intimidated me. I recall work from clinical work in obstetrics, honour of his father’s family totem. and importantly, to make family time.
20 JOURNEYS INTO MEDICINE 21Associate Professor Ngiare Brown
“My experience will be different to any other
graduate or qualified Indigenous doctor, but I hope
that with each Indigenous graduate the journey
will be made a little easier for those that follow.”
I studied medicine at University of making and the accountability of But you do have to love what you do. positive future for them. Working in
Newcastle as a five year degree. At governments around health care. It helps you to get out of bed in the Aboriginal health can be frustrating
18, I was straight out of school, but I want to explore how we might morning. and heartbreaking and debilitating.
even then I knew that I was doing use these principles to support and I was assisted through medical Without them I can’t image where I
something that I’d always dreamed of. develop our most disadvantaged and school through a defence force would be.
Associate
Currently, I am one of the most vulnerable. scholarship and graduated at a Professionally, there is always
directors at the Poche Centre for Clearly, I love a challenge, but I time when there were so very few something interesting happening.
Indigenous Health at the Faculty of recognise no one individual achieves Indigenous doctors. We tend to be There are many things that are yet
Medicine, University of Sydney. It great things in isolation – no matter snapped up to work in Indigenous to be done and will likely remain
Professor
was established from a philanthropic what we might think, or what we specific roles; but there are just so to be done well past my lifetime,
donation by a businessman might be, or what we might be many pathways available. but I know there are things that
interested in improving Indigenous told. There are always other people My background is mostly in I can contribute to right now.
Ngiare
health. At the moment the Centre is involved in progress and achievement primary care and emergency With opportunity comes great
developing a strategic plan and will and being able to play a part in all of medicine, but I have also worked responsibility and I have been given
focus on supporting clinical service that is really worthwhile. in research institutions, as a GP, in some amazing opportunities in my
delivery in western NSW and the NT I grew up on the South Coast universities and in the area of policy life and doing medicine is just one
Brown
around primary care and specialist of NSW in Barrack Heights, near development. There have been so of them.
outreach. Linked to that will be Shellharbour. My connections are many wonderful experiences and I would like to think that
medical education, nursing and allied from around Nowra, Kempsey, and there will be many more ahead. Indigenous doctors have something
health, monitoring and evaluation up and down the coast of New South Now that I have been in the that other practitioners will never
of programs and identification of Wales. I have embraced opportunity profession for some time, what possess. It is a cultural identity and
BMed, MPHTM, FRACGP, PhD candidate priorities in the communities within and worked in Darwin, in the sustains me and keeps me pride in identity. I would like to think
Director, Poche Centre for Indigenous which we work. Western Desert region and in Sydney. enthusiastic about medicine is, first I have a special respect for cultural
I have a strong interest in human In 2002 and 2003 I was the Chief and foremost, family. I say that even perspectives and acknowledge
Health, University of Sydney. rights law and health and how we Executive Officer of AIDA, and am though I am probably away from and respect Elders, community
Founding Chief Executive Officer, can utilise these rights, principles and still involved in the Association. them more than I should be, or want and culture, and therefore have a
frameworks to improve Aboriginal Obviously I was confident enough to be. The support and faith placed better comprehension of how to
AIDA, 2002 – 2003
health and social justice outcomes to complete the academic component in me by my parents, my husband engage with Aboriginal patients and
– particularly for children. I believe of medicine, but I would like to think and my brother is critical to me, and communities. They are special skills
it is important for communities and I am a perfect example that you don’t of course there is the unconditional that I am grateful for as an Aboriginal
individuals to participate in decision need to be that bright to do medicine! love of my children and creating a woman.
22 JOURNEYS INTO MEDICINE 23DR ALEX BROWN
DR I am currently the Director at the return from Israel I had to make a surveys to determine levels of illness;
Alex
Centre for Indigenous Vascular and decision about whether to continue we track people and try to work out
Diabetes Research, for the Baker IDI in anaesthesia, but ultimately I the predictors of ill-health, and are
Heart and Diabetes Institute, in Alice decided to focus on public health. involved in developing and trialing
Springs. My move to Central Australia innovative models of care as well
Brown
I am originally from the south was promoted by an advert on the as training of the health workforce.
coast of New South Wales. I have British Medical Journal website, I particularly like being part of a
been in Alice Springs for the past “What sustains seeking someone to run the movement that recognises that
nine years. me in what is Centre for Disease Control in Alice service delivery is about engaging
BMed, MPH, FCSANZ, PhD Candidate After leaving high school, I had a
a challenging
Springs. I took up the job towards people during periods of wellness –
cadetship to study naval architecture. the end of 1999. not just when they are sick.
Director, Centre for Indigenous I never really thought about being a profession is I spent three years at the Centre, In undertaking my PhD, my
Vascular and Diabetes Research, doctor, but with a big sister at the
the ongoing focusing on the management, research interests include
University at Newcastle studying monitoring and control of disease Indigenous cardiovascular disease
Alice Springs medicine, I would go to some of learning and health policy relevant to and its determinants, clinical and
her lectures and before long an in Central communicable disease and epidemiological cardiovascular
opportunity came up where I was immunisation control. I found it research, chronic disease policy
offered a place in the medical school.
Australia. I frustrating working within the development, health services
I thought “well yes! I’ll give it a go”. am humbled by bureaucracy of government, so I research, Indigenous male health,
It is not the most inspiring journey jumped at the chance to instead and the psychosocial determinants
the fact that
into medicine, but it was certainly set up a research centre through of Indigenous health – the impact of
the right choice and it is one of the Aboriginal the Menzies School of Health depression and stress.
best decisions I ever made. people that Research. I am almost every day in contact
My graduation ceremony was in I did that for three years before with some of the greatest and
1996. I did my internship at Gosford
have the least, taking up my current work at the longest living wisdom on earth.
Hospital on the northern Sydney actually have Baker Institute. While every day is learning – every
Central Coast and I did rotations at the most to I really enjoy my work because day is also tough; but my life is
nearby hospitals. it takes a public health approach enriched by constantly coming into
As a registrar at Gosford Hospital offer, and to important questions such as: contact with the things my family
I was particularly interested in that the deep why do Aboriginal people die of lost many years ago.
intensive and critical care and at the heart disease? and what do we I suppose if I think about my
end of the year I was offered a job
impulse to be do about it? We try to understand journey into medicine I would have
as an anaesthetic registrar, and for a compassionate the impact; the way in which the to say that I have been given so
short time I trained in anaesthesia. and empathetic system does or doesn’t do its job; many opportunities and people have
Then an opportunity came up to take markers for prevention of adverse believed in me. If you are presented
up a scholarship in Jerusalem, Israel,
to each other outcomes; and the role of stress in with opportunity; then my advice is
as a Masters in Public Health. On my remains strong.” disease. We involve ourselves in take it – and make the most of it!
24 JOURNEYS INTO MEDICINE 25Dr Latisha Petterson
Dr “I love my work. I have had a few elderly Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Latisha
Islander people cry when they find out that I am an Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander person.”
Petterson
I was born in Darwin, on Larrakia medical school in my 4th year. I went hard; it was her work and devotion Strait Islander people, my family and I
country, and consider myself both back to medical school when Ty`a to making a better place for us that experience multiple life stressors and
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. was six months old and finished my inspired me to strive and aim as high so I need to take care of myself. I do
My mother’s people are degree in 2000. I did my intern and as I could. My grandparents were that professionally by being involved
descendents of the Gudjal people residency at the Cairns Base Hospital. very supportive. with AIDA. I have been involved with
B Medicine, Diploma Applied Science from far North Queensland. My One of the key deciding moments I am currently working at Danila AIDA since 1997 and currently I am
(Nursing), Diploma of Sexual Health father’s grandfather’s people are in my decision to do medicine was Dilba, the Aboriginal Health Service the Treasurer. Having that collegiate
from Mabiaug in the Western Torres while I was working in sexual health in Darwin. I am involved in the support with other Indigenous doctors
Counselling GP Trainee,
Strait – the Wagadidam people. His as the Clinical Nurse in the Torres outreach program – which means I and medical students sustains me. I
Danila Dilba Health Service, Darwin grandmother’s people are Wardaman Strait. I knew that even though I work as a GP at various communities also have incredible support from my
from Moi Moi Country, and also could be a triple certificate nurse and which include 15 Mile – now known non-Indigenous professional peers.
descendents of the Mudburra, Jinjli do a masters degree, the doctor team as Palmerston Indigenous Village, On a more personal level, I am
and Gurindji peoples. ultimately made the decisions. I felt Knuckey’s Lagoon, and One Mile Dam a saltwater person. I live near the
I finished my schooling in Cairns that the only way I could personally in Darwin. I am involved in a clinic beach and probably go to the beach
and completed a Diploma in Applied make a significant contribution to at Mission Australia’s sobering-up about five times a week and watch
Science (Nursing), at the Northern Indigenous health was if I went shelter. We also run a clinic for the sunset and pray and talk to my
Territory University in Darwin. I on to study further. It was about people who live in the long grass. ancestors, listen to country and the
worked as a registered nurse at the me being more autonomous in my I am the only Indigenous doctor at saltwater. I have really good family
Royal Darwin Hospital, Thursday professional life and I really enjoyed Danila Dilba, but I have great support support. I speak to Aunties, my other
Island Hospital and at Wuchopperen the intellectual challenge of studying from non-Indigenous doctors. family members, my closest friends
Aboriginal Medical Service in Cairns. medicine. I also saw premature death In terms of inspiring people’s and of course I share quality time
It was while I was finishing off my within my own family and wanted journey into medicine, I say be with my beautiful daughter Ty`a. I
degree, that I decided that I wanted to be a clinically competent and strong in your own identity, stay read and I also listen to good music
to do medicine. compassionate doctor and focused connected with country, culture and and I do regular exercise, yoga and
I decided to go to the University on patient wellbeing and health community. We all have obstacles – other things in terms of relaxation to
of Newcastle because of its support outcomes. that’s life. When I was studying, my keep myself grounded.
network, the number of Indigenous The greatest influence in my life daughter was sick quite a few times I suppose I would like to encourage
medical students enrolled and has been Mum. She has passed and required hospital admissions, people irrespective of their age,
because I thought Newcastle was on now, but she was extremely but I was open and transparent to whether they have kids, or straight
a good city, given I was going instrumental – even though I did my lecturers and they were very out of high school - to embrace life,
from Thursday Island – a remote medicine long after she passed on. supportive. I was a single parent and pursue their dreams and make use of
Indigenous community to an It was her role modeling and values going through medicine was extremely the support of organisations such as
industrial city. I have a daughter Ty`a that ingrained in me the importance difficult, but very worthwhile. AIDA to support you on this exciting
who was born while I took a year off of being educated and studying Like most Aboriginal and Torres and rewarding journey.
26 JOURNEYS INTO MEDICINE 27Dr Marilyn Clarke
“I love delivering babies and I love it when there are good
outcomes. When things work out well it is a really happy joyous job –
a privilege. When things go wrong I am still glad to be part of it to
help women through difficult times.”
There are three doctors in our My year long experience in Papua saw in us a lot of parallels between will succeed – but you also need to
family: me, my brother Dr Kelvin New Guinea was heartbreaking. us and her twin sister Jennifer, who ensure that you access the help that
Kong is a surgeon and my twin I saw mothers and babies who was a paediatric nurse. They too is available to you on your journey.
sister, Dr Marlene Kong is a GP and were sick and dying from diseases were trailblazers in their day. I am At the time I went through the
has an interest in public health. and conditions that were largely glad they all influenced my decision University of Sydney there was
Although we’re all doctors, the career preventable because they simply and that I had their support. not much support for Indigenous
pathways available to doctors have didn’t have the necessary resources, I finished my six year, post- medical students. I encourage
taken us in very different directions. skills and staff. I realised then that graduate, specialist training in 2007, students to find out what help is
I am a Worimi woman from the being a specialist meant that I had mostly through John Hunter Hospital available to them either through
Port Stephens area. My mother was the potential to do a lot of good. in Newcastle, and soon after their university or through AIDA.
Dr
a single parent. I came from a very Six years of additional study is a gained Fellowship from the Royal I guess for junior medical officers
matriarchal family as my mother and big commitment, but there were a Australian & New Zealand College who are thinking about obstetrics
grandmother were very strong female number of other things that cemented of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. and gynaecology as their specialty,
figureheads. My mother was from a my interest in this speciality. Since then I have been working as I encourage them not to be turned
Marilyn
family of twelve – eight aunties and My mother is a registered nurse a specialist in Coffs Harbour on the off by the lifestyle. Yes, you are on
four uncles, so there were a lot of and was a trailblazer in her own New South Wales mid-north coast. call a lot, and babies don’t have
positive female influences around me. right; taking up nursing at a time I have public hospital appointments, good timing, and yes you can be
As a family we were, and still are when racism was more blatant, am a part-time private practitioner, up at all hours of the night but the
Clarke
very close. We went to local public making it harder for Aboriginal and run an antenatal clinic for hours do get better. I work part-time
schools before my twin sister and I people to pursue the careers they Aboriginal clients at the local by choice, and can now enjoy some
went to the University of Sydney to wanted. Still, she persisted and Galambila Aboriginal Health flexibility. The profession also went
study medicine. It is thought until went on to do midwifery and worked Service. through a time of high litigation,
MBBS Class II Hon (Syd), Grad Dip Clin Epi (New), FRANZCOG then there had never been Aboriginal as an independent womens’ health It gives me a lot of pleasure but that is not so much of an issue
students in the Sydney University practitioner. She has always been to empower and educate women anymore.
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Coffs Harbour undergraduate medical degree. We a strong advocate for Aboriginal about their health. For a long time At the moment I am the first
Galambila Aboriginal Health Service got through with each other’s support women’s health and for services medicine has been a very patriarchal and only Aboriginal specialist
and graduated in 1997. for women. and male orientated profession, obstetrician and gynaecologist, but
After three years as a junior As a medical student I also met especially in the area of obstetrics I am pleased that there are a couple
medical officer at Westmead Hospital Sister Alison Bush who was an and gynaecology, but that is slowly of young doctors who are interested
in Western Sydney, I signed up with Aboriginal midwife at King George changing as we see more female in doing the training. I encourage
Australian Volunteers Abroad to work Hospital and a respected, clinically specialists gaining fellowship. Aboriginal doctors to consider it as
in Papua New Guinea. With very savvy midwife. Alison took both I believe that if you pick a speciality and I am hoping to be
little money, it was a way to fulfil my Marlene and I under her wing. I think something you really love, enjoy able to mentor them through the
travel aspirations. she identified with us as twins and and are passionate about, then you hard years as a registrar.
28 JOURNEYS INTO MEDICINE 29You can also read
