Megan's health journey
Working as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP) with the Alcohol and Other Drugs Services team in Tennant Creek, Megan is dedicated to supporting her community. It is this commitment to combining her clinical skills with cultural understanding that ensures the care she provides is both respectful and responsive to local needs.
A strong connection to community
A local Tennant Creek school leaver, Megan started her career with NT Health as a school-based trainee before commencing her AHP training in 2018. It is her strong connection to community that has helped shaped her career path.
'My mob is Wakaya from the Barkly Tablelands. I was inspired to work in healthcare because I wanted to help my community and support our people. I've seen some of the challenges families go through and I wanted to be someone who could make a difference.'
As an Aboriginal Health Practitioner she brings her cultural knowledge and lived experience into her work. For Megan, cultural understanding is an essential part of healthcare.
'My family has helped me understand culture and guides the way I work with people every day. This helps build trust with clients and their families. When people feel comfortable and understood, they're more likely to open up and engage with health services.'
'It's important to me that clients feel respected, understood and culturally safe when they are accessing healthcare.'
Growing through experience
Throughout her career, Megan has had many meaningful experiences. One that stands out is her time working at the Elliott clinic.
'One moment I was proud of was when I had the opportunity to work in the Elliott clinic for a couple of months. It was a great experience being able to support the community there, work alongside the team and continue building my skills as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner.'
Today, as part of the Barkly Outreach Team, Megan works closely with child health nurses, midwives, remote area nurses and senior Aboriginal Health Practitioners, travelling to remote communities to provide care and health education.
'My work is about supporting people and helping them connect with the right services. By combining clinical care with cultural understanding, we can support people to make healthier choices and improve their overall wellbeing.'
Looking ahead
For Megan, working in the Northern Territory health system is more than a job, it is a way to give back.
'I'm proud to work in the Northern Territory health system because it allows me to give back to my community and support our people. I'm proud to be part of improving the way we care for people.'
'It's a rewarding career where you can make a real difference in your community.'
Her efforts have also been recognised, including being highly commended in the 2019 Northern Territory Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioner Excellence Awards.
