“At age five, my preschool teacher asked what I wanted to be in the future, and I said a doctor,” Kassandra Bonner-Waia recalls vividly. Despite exploring other career paths, including music and teaching, the desire to become a doctor remained. “Medicine has always brought me back, and I can’t get away from it. It provides a platform to do much more for my people,” she explains.
Kassandra has been a registered nurse since 2018 and used this as a foundation to study medicine. Choosing Flinders University and its Indigenous Entry Stream (IES) program in Darwin was a pivotal decision. “I wanted to see if Flinders would meet my expectations for support, encouragement, and empowerment.” The IES program exceeded these expectations. “The support from Flinders in the Northern Territory has been exceptional, exactly what I was looking for.”
Kassandra’s rural background played a significant role in shaping her journey. “I am a proud Butchulla, Mununjali, and Jagera woman from Southeast Queensland,” she says. Moving from a small rural town to the big city of Adelaide at 17 was challenging but transformative. “It was tough, but it enabled me to achieve my dreams and leave no excuses behind,” she reflects.
Looking ahead, Kassandra aims to enjoy the journey of being a medical student. “I want to stay humble, be content, and be patient. I’ve worked really hard to get where I am today, and I want to enjoy this moment,” she emphasizes. Primary healthcare remains close to her heart, but she is open to exploring different pathways through clinical placements.
Kassandra’s advice to prospective students considering the IES program is simple: “Go for it. Be fearless. Don’t hold yourself back. The program is well-supported, and it’s an opportunity to find out who you are and what you want to be.”
Reflecting on her journey, Kassandra honours her heritage and the sacrifices of her ancestors; “Don’t lose yourself, don’t forget who you are and where you come from. Stay true to yourself and be yourself.”
Find out more about Flinders’ Doctor of Medicine and the Indigenous Entry Stream and how to apply to study in South Australia or the Northern Territory.
*The IES is an entry pathway for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only. For alternative pathways to medicine please visit our dedicated webpage.