LIME Connection VI

“It was an outstanding conference – brilliant keynote speakers, excellent breakout sessions, excellent content and analysis, highly professional organisation. One of the best conferences I’ve ever been to (and I’ve been to many).”

“It was an amazing place to discuss issues, seek/give advice and connect with people from around the world in a culturally safe environment.”

“This is such an important network and is really supporting change across all the medical schools in Australasia.”

(LIME Connection VI delegates)

The sixth biennial LIME Connection was held in Townsville, Australia from 11 – 13 August 2015. LIME Connection VI: Knowledge Systems, Social Justice and Racism in Health Professional Education built on evidence based presentations from previous LIME Connection conferences and captured new initiatives, shared successful methods and workshoped visions for the future.

A full report on the event is available to download below. We thank all delegates for their contribution to the conference.

LIMECONNECTION VI was hosted by James Cook University and is held under the auspices of Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand, the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) and Te Ohu Rata O Aotearoa (Te ORA) – Māori Medical Practitioners Association.

• Dr Chelsea Bond, Senior Lecturer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit, Queensland University of Technology
• Ms Tania Huria, Senior Lecturer, University of Otago
• Prof Keawe’aimoku Kaholokula, Professor and Chair, Department of Native Hawaiian Health, University of Hawai’i at Manoa

The LIMElight Awards are given in recognition of the significant and outstanding work staff, students and medical schools undertake in the teaching and learning of Indigenous health in medical education, as well as Indigenous student recruitment and support to graduation. These awards acknowledge innovative programs and initiatives which address critical issues, bring people together collaboratively and implement innovative solutions.

The Awards are held in conjunction with LIME Connection VI – the Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education (LIME) biennial conference. The award winners were announced at the LIME Connection VI Dinner on 12th August 2015, in Townsville, Australia. Congratulations to all the winners!

AWARD WINNERS 2015

The LIMELight Awards were presented during the official dinner of the LIME Connection VII.

1. The Adelaide Poche Centre for Indigenous Health & Wellbeing Teaching Team, Flinders University South Australia  –  Leading innovation in Indigenous health curriculum implementation
2. Māori Health Workforce Development Unit, University of Otago Dunedin    –  Leading innovation in Indigenous student recruitment, support and graduation
3. The Māori Indigenous Health Institute (MIHI), University of Otago Christchurch  –  Leading innovation in community engagement
4. Mr Romlie Mokak, Lowitja Institute z7 Associate Professor Suzanne Pitama, University of Otago, Christchurch   –  LIMElight Leadership Award for outstanding leadership by an individual
5. Natasha Martin, University of Otago Wellington   –  Student Award

LIME Indigenous Medical Student and Community Member Bursaries 2015

Since 2009, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori medical students and community members have been supported to participate in LIME Connection conferences via funded bursaries.

Bursary were awarded to those who are:

• of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander or Māori descent
• a current student enrolled in medical studies at an Australian or Aotearoa/New Zealand University (Students only);
• a student member or agree to register as a member of the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) or Te ORA (Students only)
• actively involved in working with a Medical School (community members only).

Bursaries were be awarded on the recommendation of a selection committee and were based on specific selection criteria.

“Without this financial assistance I would not have had the opportunity to connect with other students, delegates and found myself once again inspired and motivated to complete my degree.”

“The LIME Connection exceeded my expectations. It was life changing, being in a place surrounded by like-minded people.”

“I think the bursary is a very important part of what makes the conference so special. It was great to see so many more students at this LIME.”

“I think one of the most reassuring things I learnt is that there are other students facing the same difficulties I am going through at university.”

“LIME conference is a time where I can be re-motivated to study and re-focus on my passions within the health care profession. I find that these two simple things give me stamina to continue to charge on in my medical degree especially when I feel overwhelmed with my studies.”

The Bursaries are funded by generous contributions from Medical Schools across Australia and New Zealand, including: