How immersion in remote Aboriginal communities influences medical students’ career intentions
Jessica Mitchell A B * , Jack Rumbelow A C , Amy Broadley D , Laura Sharley A D , Millicent Osti A C and Jill Benson D EA Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
B Cairns Base Hospital, Cairns, Qld 4870, Australia.
C Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
D GPEx Ltd, Strathalbyn, SA 5255, Australia.
E The University of Adelaide, Discipline of General Practice, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
Australian Journal of Primary Health 28(5) 380-386 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY21120
Submitted: 25 July 2021 Accepted: 28 March 2022 Published: 6 July 2022
© 2022 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of La Trobe University
Abstract
The term ‘Aboriginal’ in this text has been used when referring to Aboriginal peoples living on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands. The term ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’ has been used when referring to the broader community.
Background: This project investigated how cultural immersion in remote Aboriginal communities influenced medical students’ career intentions.
Methodology: An academic GP registrar (AB) interviewed 15 medical students who participated in the Adelaide Medical Students’ Society Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Exchange. This program was coordinated by medical student volunteers in collaboration with the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council (NPYWC). The following questions were specifically addressed: ‘How does being a guest in a remote Aboriginal community influence medical students’ attitudes towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care?’ and ‘Does exposure to Aboriginal communities increase medical students’ willingness to pursue careers in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, rural and remote medicine and/or general practice?’.
Results: Interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care increased from 73% of participants pre-trip to 100% post-trip, in rural and remote medicine from 40% to 100%, and in general practice from 33% to 67%. The experience also challenged pre-conceptions and increased understanding of the bio-psycho-socio-spiritual aspects of Aboriginal health.
Conclusion: Being a guest in remote Aboriginal communities enhanced students’ personal and professional motivation to work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, remote health and general practice.
Keywords: clinical placement, community health: education, general practice, health education, Indigenous health services, medical student, voluntary programs, youth programs.
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