TCHHS drew plenty of interest at the recent Australian Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA) Conference on Gadigal Country.
More than 500 First Nations students, graduates and medical professionals from every corner of Australia gathered in Sydney in November for the annual AIDA Conference, which carried the theme Evoking Sovereignty, Honouring Country, Nurturing Community.
“The energy across the venue was unmistakable,” A/Executive Director of Medical Services, Dr Ineke Wever said.
“Every booth filled with conversation, connection and genuine enthusiasm. The conference offered a culturally safe space for attendees and exhibitors to network, share stories and learn from one another.”
For the first time, TCHHS sponsored a junior medical officer, Dr Isaac Lange, to attend the conference. He was one of 80 students and junior medical officers to attend through funded packages through conference sponsors.
Dr Ineke Wever, Dr Isaac Lange and Dr Blair Rasmussen
“As a proud Aboriginal medical student working towards becoming a Rural Generalist, I’m passionate about improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities in the Cape, Torres Strait, and Far North Queensland,” Dr Lange said in his application.
“This conference is a chance to connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, doctors, and leaders who share the same drive. I’m really looking forward to networking, learning from others’ experiences, and hearing stories, especially from those working in rural and remote health.”
TCHHS clinicians spoke with candidates about their experiences living and working in our beautiful part of Australia.
“Being on the TCHHS booth at the AIDA conference was a great opportunity to link in with upcoming First Nations medical students and training doctors about placements and work opportunities in TCHHS,” Dr Wever said.
“Many students and training doctors attending AIDA had already heard about the broad experience and supportive training terms provided in our TCHHS sites and were keen to discuss when they could come up.
“It was great to meet so many Torres Strait Islander medicos and discuss their career aspirations.”
The TCHHS booth showcased original art created by ATSI Traineeship and Work Experience Coordinator Ashleigh Wanganeen, titled Cape and Torres Dreamtime.
“The artwork honours the vibrant reds and oranges of Cape York and the deep blues and star-filled skies of the Torres Straits,” Ashleigh said.
“These colours speak to the heartbeat of both places — the warmth of Cape York sunsets that ground the spirit, and the powerful night skies over the Torres Strait where our ancestors watch over us. Together, these elements reflect the connection between land and sea, sunset and starlight, past and present. This piece celebrates both Cape Country and Torres Strait Country, acknowledging their stories, their beauty, and the Dreamtime spirit that unites them.”
Find out more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander careers.