A Yuggera woman with a passion for healthcare advocacy and aspirations to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experiencing sexual and family violence has received the 2024 AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship.
Kealey Griffiths, a University of Queensland medical student, received the scholarship at the AMA24 national conference on the Gold Coast on Friday.
Ms Griffiths, 23, said she was delighted to receive the scholarship, worth $11,000 per year for the remainder of her studies, as it would relieve financial pressure and allow her to channel more of her efforts on her studies and medical placements as she sets her sights on a career in psychiatry.
"It is wonderful that the AMA is committed to supporting Indigenous students, and it reaffirms that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are crucial to Australian healthcare as active contributors," Ms Griffths said.
Ms Griffiths grew up in central-west Queensland, on the land of the Iningai people, and has a special connection to rural and remote communities.
Both her parents have had long careers in healthcare, which she said sparked her strong passion and dedication to the care of others living in rural and remote areas from a young age.
"I started in a psychology degree, which I did really enjoy but I wanted to give back in different ways, and I enjoy the advocacy aspect of medicine and the opportunities to be involved in policy work," Ms Griffiths said.
"My long-term focus is to work in sexual health medicine, in the context of psychiatry, which would involve supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, who are disproportionately affected by sexual and family violence."
Ms Griffiths is a strong advocate for highlighting a diversity of voices in healthcare to improve health outcomes for all people and communities.
"My voice is an Indigenous, female one, but giving space to different voices from all kinds of backgrounds is one of my big passions and I am trying to urge others to do the same," she said.
"The AMA has a wide and diverse range of voices, and I hope others in the health space can do the same."
AMA President Professor Steve Robson said he was proud to present the scholarship to Ms Griffiths in her home state of Queensland.
"Ms Griffiths is an impressive medical student who has all the makings of a fantastic doctor and psychiatrist, where she will have a very important role in assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities," Professor Robson said.
"The AMA is proud to support many First Nations medical students on their path to becoming doctors, and I know Ms Griffiths will achieve great things."
Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association President Dr Simone Raye said supporting Indigenous medical students like Kealey is essential in bridging the gap in health outcomes that exist for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"The investment by our partner, the AMA, in the education and training of Indigenous doctors not only empowers individuals like Kealey to succeed, but also helps to create a more inclusive and culturally safe healthcare system," Dr Raye said.
"Representation matters in healthcare, and Kealey's achievement serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring Indigenous doctors who are working towards greater equity and access to quality healthcare for our communities."
Each year, the AMA receives numerous outstanding applications for the Indigenous Medical Scholarship, which has been active for the past three decades.
Anyone can help the AMA support even more First Nations medical students by donating to the Indigenous Medical Scholarship fund.
