University of Queensland Expands First Nations Doctor Training in Central Queensland

By Advay March 20, 2025
Alarm 2 Min Read
Copied
Featured

The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia has launched the First Nations Growth Strategy to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors in Central Queensland. The initiative aims to ensure that 15% of enrolments in UQ’s Doctor of Medicine program come from First Nations students, strengthening the regional healthcare workforce.

The strategy provides end-to-end support for First Nations students, guiding them from application to graduation and beyond. As part of the initiative, UQ secured funding for 10 additional Commonwealth-supported places in the Doctor of Medicine program in 2023.

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC emphasised the importance of Indigenous representation in medicine.

“We are deeply committed to increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors to meet the real workforce need for First Nations clinicians. This strategy is a vehicle for change, co-designed with First Nations Elders and the Bidgerdii Community Health Service as part of our Queensland Commitment.”

Building a Strong Indigenous Medical Workforce
The First Nations Growth Strategy is designed to create a community-led, Indigenous-centred approach to recruiting, retaining, and supporting First Nations medical students in Central Queensland.

Professor Riitta Partanen, Director of UQ Medical School’s Rural Clinical School, highlighted the initiative’s long-term goals:

“We want to ensure First Nations medical students receive full support before, during, and after graduation, establishing a workforce with strong connections to the region.”

Professor Thelma Parker, Associate Dean (Indigenous Engagement), added that the strategy was developed through extensive community collaboration.

“Local Elders played a key role in ensuring the strategy is culturally appropriate and community-owned. This collaboration is crucial in closing the gap and creating clear pathways for Indigenous students to study and work in their communities.”

By fostering Indigenous leadership in medicine, the University of Queensland is taking a significant step towards improving healthcare access and outcomes for First Nations communities in Australia

Source: SHIKSHA

More Articles