MD students in the NT are engaged in a variety of activities. Year 2 students had cooking lessons from academic staff member Dr Enoka Gunawardane in an initiative to provide lunch, which was the best of Sri Lankan Fish curry and coconut roti, for students and staff at the CDU Flinders building. Such a fabulous social opportunity – thank you to all.

Students are also actively interested in the wider community at each site. Examples of this include enjoying cultural engagement with our Darwin based elder on campus Uncle Richie Fejo, smoking ceremony held at the beginning of the university year and events in each site with the local community and through sport.

The teaching program has taken off well in 2023 and I thank all the clinical placement supervisors and community members who are supporting and connecting our students to local activities. As just one example I met students and staff of the Bauhinia Health clinic team, Wurli Wurlinjang Aboriginal Medical Service team and the Katherine Hospital in Katherine during a visit earlier in the year. The welcome they have provided to each cohort makes a difference to student engagement and enjoyment.

A/Prof Emma Kennedy FRACGP, DRANZCOG, MFM, GAICD
Associate Professor in Medical Education and Training
Flinders NT Medical Program