Indigenous medical students urged to apply for AMA scholarship

The scholarship was established in 1995 to help increase the number of Indigenous doctors in Australia.

“The AMA believes that an essential part of closing the gap in Indigenous health is to build an adequate workforce for Indigenous health. This importantly includes doctors and health professionals who are Indigenous,” Dr Pesce said.

“There is evidence that there is a greater chance of improved health outcomes when Indigenous people are treated by Indigenous doctors and health workers.

“Increasing the number of Indigenous doctors in Australia was part of the AMA Priority Investment Plan for Australia’s Health System, which was released in September.

“There are currently about 140 Indigenous doctors and 137 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 $100,000 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 at: http://www.ama.com.au/node/5198