AMA seeks applicants for Indigenous Medical Scholarship
The AMA today opened nominations for the 2011 AMA Indigenous Peoples’ Medical Scholarship.
The scholarship was established in 1995 to help increase the number of Indigenous doctors in Australia.
AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said today that the AMA believes that an essential part of closing the gap in Indigenous health is to build an adequate workforce that includes doctors and health professionals who are Indigenous.
“Knowing that they can visit an Indigenous doctor often makes a difference as to whether or not Indigenous people will seek medical help,” Dr Pesce said.
“There are currently about 153 Indigenous doctors and 161 Indigenous medical students in Australia.
“The numbers are steadily increasing, but every effort needs to be made to help make it possible for more Indigenous people to study medicine.
“This is why, each year, the AMA offers the Indigenous Peoples’ Medical Scholarship of $9000 per annum for aspiring Indigenous doctors.
“The scholarship has assisted many Indigenous men and women who may not have otherwise had the financial resources to study medicine.”
The AMA Indigenous Peoples’ Medical Scholarship was established with the support of a contribution from the Australian Government. The Reuben Pelerman Foundation also contributes funding to the scholarship.
To be eligible to apply for the scholarship, students must be currently enrolled full time at an Australian medical school and be eligible for ABSTUDY.
Application material and further information on the AMA Indigenous Peoples’ Medical Scholarship can be found here.
18 November 2010
CONTACT: Geraldine Kurukchi 02 6270 5467 / 0427 209 753
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