Supporting the professional development of Aboriginal medical students

14 Jun 2019

_{St John of God Subiaco Hospital CEO Prof Shirley Bowen signing the scholarship agreement with (L – R) Director Indigenous Education, Head of Indigenous Health Curriculum, School of Medicine, Fremantle, Associate Prof Clive Walley; Pro Vice Chancellor and Head of Campus, Fremantle, Prof Selma Alliex; and Associate Dean Aboriginal Health, School of Medicine, Fremantle, Prof David Paul}

14 June 2019

The fund will assist four Aboriginal students throughout their studies with each recipient receiving $10,000 per year over their four year degree.

In addition, they will undertake a residency at St John of God Subiaco Hospital during their third and fourth years, rotating across the hospital’s wards and departments to gain experience across a range of specialty areas.

St John of God Subiaco Hospital CEO Prof Shirley Bowen said the hospital was pleased to be supporting this very important initiative and making a positive contribution to the lives and professional careers of Aboriginal medical students.

“We hope the scholarships will encourage greater numbers of Aboriginal people to pursue a career in medicine and contribute to a more diverse health care system,” she said.

Pro Vice Chancellor and Head of Campus, Fremantle Prof Selma Alliex said the School of Medicine at Fremantle and the entire university appreciates the significant gesture of support for students.

“Nationwide to date only 427 Aboriginal students have graduated with a medical degree with a further 325 currently studying medicine,” she said.

“When you compare that number to the 3,500 Aboriginal doctors required to reach population parity you begin to understand the challenges associated with Aboriginal health care.”

St John of God Subiaco Hospital recently formed a Reconciliation Working Committee to create cultural awareness amongst caregivers, ensure cultural competency and maintain effective partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

It is also implementing St John of God Health Care’s Innovative Reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Strategy, which has been developed for all of the organisation’s hospitals.