Woman who dreams of medical career awarded AMA Indigenous Peoples' Medical Scholarship

A former high school teacher and mentor who wants to improve the health of Indigenous people has won the AMA Indigenous Peoples’ Medical Scholarship for 2010.

Karen Taylor was awarded the scholarship by AMA Federal Vice President and Chair of the AMA Indigenous Health Taskforce, Dr Steve Hambleton.

Valued at $9,000 for each year of study, the scholarship provides support and encouragement for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying medicine.

The scholarship was established in 1995 with a contribution from the Commonwealth. It has also been supported by the Reuben Pelerman Benevolent Foundation.  

Ms Taylor, a third year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery student at Griffith University, Queensland, says she plans to work as a general practitioner because this is where she feels she can have the greatest influence on the health of Indigenous people.

“As a GP I would also like to assist Aboriginal people towards becoming stronger people and therefore able to make better health choices,” Ms Taylor said.

“I intend to work in Indigenous communities and I believe that long-term relationships build trust and provide better health outcomes.”

Ms Taylor is a descendant of the Bidjara people of south-west Queensland. She recently completed a Masters by Research project investigating Group B Streptococcus, which encouraged her to become involved in maternal and neonatal health.

“The gap between the risk of contracting Group B Streptococcus in Indigenous and non-Indigenous newborns was my inspiration to complete the Masters and one of the reasons for becoming a doctor,” Ms Taylor said.

“As a doctor I would like to continue to work with young people and encourage them by being a positive role model and by facilitating small group discussions on current life issues.”

Dr Hambleton said the scholarship was designed to encourage and support Indigenous students who were preparing for careers in medicine, particularly in Indigenous health.

“The AMA acknowledges the unique contribution of Indigenous health professionals to improving health outcomes of Indigenous people,” Dr Hambleton said.

“Assisting Indigenous medical students to complete their studies is a positive step toward ensuring there are more Indigenous health professionals to serve their communities.”

13 May 2010

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John Flannery        02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761
Geraldine Kurukchi    02 6270 5467 / 0424 142 032

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