Time Is Running Out to Apply for 2018 AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship
Applications for the AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship close on 31 January, with the successful applicant receiving $10,000 each year for the duration of their course.
Fewer than 300 doctors working in Australia identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander – representing 0.3 per cent of the workforce – and only 286 Indigenous medical students were enrolled across the nation in 2017.
“The significant gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians is a national disgrace that must be tackled by all levels of Government, the private and corporate sectors, and all segments of our community,” AMA President, Dr Michael Gannon, said today.
“It’s evident that Indigenous people have a greater chance of improved health outcomes when they are treated by Indigenous doctors and health professionals.
“Indigenous people are more likely to make and keep medical appointments when they are confident that they will be treated by someone who understands their culture, their language, and their unique circumstances.
“The AMA strongly encourages Indigenous students to apply for the Scholarship, which, along with the AMA’s annual Report Card on Indigenous Health and the work of the AMA Taskforce on Indigenous Health, is part of the AMA’s commitment to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.”
The program has supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to study medicine since 1994.
Previous winners have gone on to become prominent leaders in health and medicine, including Associate Professor Kelvin Kong, Australia’s first Aboriginal surgeon.
Applicants must be currently enrolled at an Australian medical school, be in at least their first year of medicine, and be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. Further information, including the application form, can be found at https://www.ama.com.au/indigenous-medical-scholarship-2018.
The AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship was established in 1994 with a contribution from the Commonwealth Government. The AMA is seeking further donations and sponsorships from individuals and corporations to continue this important contribution to Indigenous health.
More information is available at https://ama.com.au/donate-indigenous-medical-scholarship. For enquiries, please contact the AMA via email at indigenousscholarship@ama.com.au or phone (02) 6270 5400.
10 January 2018
CONTACT: John Flannery 02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761
Maria Hawthorne 02 6270 5478 / 0427 209 753
