AMA 16th National Conference 2004 - AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship 2004
AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, today announced that the winner of the AMA's Indigenous Peoples' Medical Scholarship 2004 is David Hall, a second year medical student at the University of Queensland.
Dr Glasson made the announcement at the AMA's National Conference in Brisbane.
"The Scholarship is aimed at increasing the number of Indigenous doctors," Dr Glasson said.
"The Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association says it now has around 60 Indigenous doctors registered - up from 41 doctors just four years ago," Dr Glasson said.
Towards the end of high school, David was inspired to study medicine while attending a career guidance workshop for young Murri kids.
Fifteen years later, after unsuccessfully attempting first year medicine after leaving school, David has a BA and a successful eleven-year career with Telstra under his belt.
But his calling to do medicine and to help other Indigenous people stayed strong so, at the age of 34, David found himself back at university last year, where he successfully completed first year medicine in 2003.
David will receive $9,000 a year for each year of his medical studies until graduation.
The Indigenous Peoples' Medical Scholarship Trust Fund was established in 1995 with funds from an Aboriginal Affairs initiative from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Donations have also been received from individuals and organisations to help keep the scholarship going.
CONTACT: Mr David Hall (07) 3365 6699 (bh)
John Flannery (0419) 494 761
Judith Tokley (0408) 824 306