Applications close soon for the 2019 AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship, a program that has supported Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to study medicine since 1994.
The successful applicant will receive $10,000 each year for the duration of their course.
AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said that previous recipients have gone on to become prominent leaders in health and medicine, including Associate Professor Kelvin Kong, Australia's first Aboriginal surgeon.
"Last year, there were just 427 Indigenous doctors and 327 Indigenous medical students across Australia," Dr Bartone said.
"We know that Indigenous people have a greater chance of improved health outcomes when they are treated by Indigenous doctors and health professionals. They are more likely to make and keep appointments when they are confident that they will be treated by someone who understands their culture, their language, and their unique circumstances.
"Closing the disgraceful gap in life expectancy and health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians requires real action from all levels of Government, the private and corporate sectors, and all segments of our community.
"This Scholarship is a tangible step towards addressing the shortage of Indigenous doctors."
Applications close on 31 January 2019. Applicants must be currently enrolled at an Australian medical school, have successfully completed their first year of medicine, and be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background.
Further information, including the application form, is at https://ama.com.au/indigenous-medical-scholarship-2019.
The AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship was established in 1994 with a contribution from the Commonwealth Government. The AMA is seeking further donations and sponsorships from individuals and corporations to continue this important contribution to Indigenous health.
If you are interested in making a contribution, please go to https://ama.com.au/donate-indigenous-medical-scholarship. For enquiries, contact [email protected] or (02) 6270 5400.
