Loni, a first-year medical student at Flinders University in Darwin, brings a unique and diverse perspective to her medical studies. With a background in Psychological Science, she began her journey to medicine with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist. Originally hailing from a small rural town in Tasmania before relocating to the Northern Territory (NT), she once believed that studying medicine was an unattainable dream.
Now, as part of a diverse class of 27 students, Loni considers studying medicine a privilege. Her background in Psychological Science and personal experience in rural and remote areas have fueled her ambition to provide specialist psychiatric and mental health support to underserved regions in the NT.
“My lived experience with mental health and support services in rural and remote health, alongside professional experience as a counsellor and in case management for Indigenous, homeless, LGBTIQA+ and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse populations, as well as in disability, psychiatric, and corrections contexts, has pushed me to use these skills where they’re needed most. ”
Studying at Flinders in the NT allows her to stay close to home and aligns with her commitment to advocate for healthcare improvements for remote Indigenous populations.
‘For me being in an area of Australia thousands of kilometres from anywhere, Flinders was my only option to study medicine that was home. I’m grateful that I can study medicine with Flinders in the Northern Territory, which is also home to the largest and most vulnerable and marginalised Indigenous population in Australia.’
She values the support, close bonds with peers, and engaging lecturers that have enriched her learning experience.
“The course is challenging, but the opportunities and support along the way from peers, supervisors, staff and mentors is immense. I feel so lucky to experience an incredibly supportive environment with the small team of dedicated and caring staff who care deeply about student experiences and wellbeing.”
Loni envisions a future in psychiatry, aiming to start her training locally and address mental health disparities in remote areas. She underscores the importance of diversity in the medical field and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams in medicine.
“It’s important to have a varied and diverse cohort of students of all backgrounds, ages, professions and experiences, who are passionate about helping those who need it most. So when people visit a GP, receive mental health support or get surgery or medical attention, they feel understood, validated, represented and safe.”
Her message to aspiring medical students is clear: don’t doubt yourself; diverse backgrounds and experiences are vital in creating a compassionate and inclusive healthcare system. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact, there’s support to help you through the journey.
“If you enjoy working independently and remotely in a profession that challenges you and directly positively impacts vulnerable people, take the GAMSAT and apply! And if you come from a background where studying medicine felt impossible – don’t doubt yourself.”
Explore our flexible entry pathways to Medicine and start your lifechanging career in at Flinders.