By Sally Lauder
Flinders University is reporting record growth in Indigenous students, assisted by our unique Indigenous Entry Stream (IES).
Now in its 12th year, the program is offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students wishing to study medicine, including those who do not have a valid Graduate Medical School Admission Test (GAMSAT) score.
It provides an opportunity for students to enter the Doctor of Medicine or Northern Territory Medical Program after completing an online course and week-long intensive workshop as preparation for study.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors represented less than 0.44 percent of Australia’s registered medical workforce in 2019 (source: AIDA) – and many more are needed to help close the gap in Indigenous healthcare.
Research has shown that Indigenous health staff appear to sustain better connection, rapport and trust with Indigenous patients, reduce their anxiety and enhance communication.
There is evidence to suggest that Indigenous health workers may help to improve attendance at appointments, acceptance of treatment and assessment recommendations, reduce discharge against medical advice, increase patient contact time, enhance referrals and improve follow-up.
Kath Martin, Program Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathways in Medicine, says the program offers Indigenous students the chance to explore whether they want to pursue a career in medicine.
“The Indigenous Entry Stream is an alternative pathway with proven success in attracting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who perhaps wouldn’t have considered the possibility of becoming a doctor.” – Kath Martin
“The Indigenous Entry Stream offers support and weekly meetings to assist students in managing the heavy workload. Those who successfully complete the IES program and fulfil other selection criteria are then made an offer to study the Doctor of Medicine,” says Kath.
“If we can impact the medical workforce of the future by training more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as doctors who provide greater cultural safety for First Nation’s patients, that’s going to help to close the gap and bring much better outcomes for their community.”
As part of the program, the IES participants are introduced to the cultural, academic and social support staff and programs available to them, should they progress to studying medicine.
Mature-age student Peter Lacey benefited from the IES and was accepted to study medicine at Flinders this year.
“I wanted to study medicine years ago, but I didn’t feel good enough or smart enough,” says Peter.
“IES was great because it gave me a glimpse into what studying medicine would really be like. It gave me the confidence to reconsider a career in medicine. The support provided through IES has been incredible.”