AMA Awards 2008 - Ross Ingram Memorial Essay
A Far North Queensland allied health worker has won this year's Ross Ingram Memorial Essay Competition for his essay on cardiovascular disease in indigenous Australians.
Barry Fewquandie's essay, The heart of the matter is, that it's a matter of the heart, was judged the best essay by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person on the topic of indigenous health.
Mr Fewquandie's essay appeared in the 19 May indigenous health issue of The Medical Journal of Australia.
The Ross Ingram Memorial Essay Prize was awarded at the AMA's National Conference in Hobart today. Mr Fewquandie received a cheque for $5,000.
Like the late Dr Ingram, after whom the competition is named, Mr Fewquandie has been directly affected by heart disease.
His story focuses on his journey from being a cardiac patient to a cardiovascular health advocate. He is currently the coordinator of the Healthy Hearts Cardiac Rehabilitation & Breathe Easy - Walk Easy Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Program at the Wuchopperen Health Service in Cairns.
"As a patient and now as an allied health worker, I can understand both sides of the coin," he said.
"I tell my story to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease, which is claiming the lives of our brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties and grandparents.
"It is a very sad thing when young indigenous men leave their wives, children and extended families at such an early age."
Mr Fewquandie decided he wanted to be a positive influence on the indigenous community and saw the essay competition as an opportunity to discuss something that is literally close to his heart.
Mr Fewquandie called on governments, health departments, Aboriginal-controlled community health organisations and the indigenous community to demonstrate they are serious about improving the future health of indigenous Australians.
CONTACT: Kylie Butler 0417 652 488
Kylie Walker 0405 229 152