University Of Queensland To Increase First Nations Doctors In Central Queensland

Study in Australia: The university aims to train more First Nations doctors by ensuring that First Nations students have 15% of Central Queensland enrolments in UQ’s Doctor of Medicine.

The University of Queensland has launched the First Nations Growth Strategy to train more First Nations doctors who can stay on to practice in rural and regional communities.

The strategy was designed to support the First Nations students throughout the whole process from applying to the UQ's Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) and Doctor of Medicine to during the entire graduation and beyond.

The 15% target was part of the agreement, and the university successfully applied for funding to support 10 additional Commonwealth-funded places in Central Queensland in the Doctor of Medicine program in 2023.

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC said the strategy will help to increase the supply of medical graduates in Central Queensland.

“We are deeply committed to ensuring more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors graduate through the program to address the very real workforce need for First Nations clinicians. This strategy is a vehicle for change and has been co-designed with First Nations Elders in partnership with Bidgerdii Community Health Service to deliver on this as part of the University’s Queensland Commitment," said Professor Terry.

More Details Of First Nations Growth Strategy

Director of UQ Medical School’s Rural Clinical School, Professor Riitta Partanen, said, "The purpose of the First Nations Growth Strategy was to create a locally centred, Indigenous-led focus on the recruitment, retention and graduation of First Nations medical students, with a specific focus on Central Queensland. We want to ensure they are supported before, during and after their graduation in a true end-to-end pathway and establish medical professionals with an authentic connection to the region."

Associate Dean (Indigenous Engagement) Professor Thelma Parker said, "The strategy was centred around unlocking growth for Indigenous doctors through community centred partnerships. The strategy was led by the UQ-developed Wisdom Council for Indigenous Knowledges and Bidgerdii Community Health Service, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled primary health care service."

“Local community perspectives were centred, and the plan was signed off by 14 community Elders to ensure it is fully culturally appropriate and owned by the community. It’s this collaboration that will ensure its success. This is really important as we work towards closing the gap and ensuring the community is fully aware of the various pathways into medicine and the opportunities that are available for students to study and work in their local communities,” she said.

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