Advocating for better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is the aim of Dr Ali Drummond, who graduated this week from QUT with a School of Nursing PhD.
Dr Drummond is hoping his research, into the experiences of Indigenous and non-Indigenous academics who develop and deliver Indigenous health curricula, will inform policies designed to increase the number of Indigenous nurses, midwives and students.
A Meriam and Wuthathi man, Dr Drummond was recently appointed CEO of the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM) and said he was excited to apply the findings of his research in his new role. The purpose of CATSINaM is to be a national voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses, midwives and students.
"Following the results of my research, I have been advocating for a more relational approach between education providers and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of the lands they occupy, to both improve student outcomes and also benefit the community," Dr Drummond said.
"Communities don't just want more workers, they want new technology and investment in preserving knowledge and culture. Universities should be investing back into this and sharing knowledge and benefits. Indigenous knowledges shouldn't become a commodity."
Dr Drummond's lived experience as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurse, along with his experience as a senior lecturer and academic with QUT, means he is well-placed to share a message with Indigenous students considering further study at a university.
"There are so many opportunities to be a part of, to realise the dreams of our ancestors, take these opportunities with both hands and run with them," Dr Drummond said.
"There are so many more Indigenous people in this sector now, at all levels, looking to see students succeed, and they will.
"There are countless ways an education can give back to a community, no matter what course you study. Whether it's nursing or medicine, law or business, arts or engineering, our communities need people skilled in all of those."
In addition to his role at CATSINaM, Dr Drummond will continue to collaborate with the QUT Carumba Institute on a range of research projects, including one with Torres Strait Island community leaders focusing on implementing the Torres model of care into the health system.
Top picture: from left, Caruma Institute executive director Professor Chelsea Watego, Dr Ali Drummond and QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil.
