LIME Connection VII

The seventh biennial Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education (LIME) Network LIME Connection was held in Melbourne, Australia in 2017. The event was co-hosted by Deakin University, Monash University and the University of Melbourne.

The conference encouraged strengths based presentations relating to Indigenous health teaching and learning, curriculum development and research; community engagement; and the recruitment and graduation of Indigenous students in the health professions.

LIME Connection provides an opportunity for:

• Collaboration, information sharing and networking across nations;
• Professional development and capacity-building;
• Linking with community, colleges and those from all health disciplines;
• Discussion and critique of current practices; and
• Exploration of emerging tools and techniques to drive improvement in Indigenous health education.

LIME Connection is a leading international event in Indigenous health and health professional education for academics, students, community members, practitioners and policy makers. Speakers will include Indigenous and non-Indigenous experts from Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand, Hawaii, Canada and further afield.

LIME Connection provides the space for robust discussion on leadership, curriculum innovation and collaboration in Indigenous health and health professional education. It provides an opportunity to celebrate successes and share new and evidenced-based approaches in the field.

The LIMElight Awards, honouring excellence in student recruitment, support and graduation; health curriculum implementation; community engagement; research and leadership, are also presented.

LIME Connection 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.

The Connection is an outcome of the Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education (LIME) Network Program.

Keynote speakers (listed here) included experts in Indigenous health and medical education from Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand and Canada.

• Richard Frankland, Head of the Wilin Centre, The University of Melbourne
• Juli Coffin, Director of Nulungu Research Institute, Kimberley University Rural Health Alliance, The University of Notre Dame Australia
• Evan Adams, Clinical Assistant Professor, First Nations Health Authority, The University of British Columbia, Canada
• Rhys Jones, Senior Lecturer,Te Kupenga Hauora Māori, Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland

LIMElight Awards 2017

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 and Indigenous student recruitment and graduation. More information on the 2017 LIMElight award winners here.

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

Indigenous Medical Student and Community Member Bursaries

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

The bursary covers the costs of airfares, accommodation, meals, conference registration and networking events.

“It exceeded my expectations! I had no idea how amazing how big LIME was and how brilliantly organised it would be. I met a range of like minded and friendly people who’s friendships I will hopefully keep for life. I was motivated and moved by the speakers and their lessons in improving Indigenous Medical education inspired me to recognise and improve such areas in my own university”

“(without the bursary I couldn’t have in my wildest dreams been able to attend) It was a fantastic opportunity to network, connect, learn and I really felt like I walked away from the LIME Connection seeing the world through a new lens and with newly inspired goals. The food, accommodation, flights and venue were all really amazing I couldn’t have asked for anything more”

“It is invaluable to say the least. Various conferences I’ve previously been to do not value the land to the extent this conference has and it is indeed very special and important”

“Thank you so much to everyone who played a part in myself and the other students attending LIME it was a turning point in my medical education and an opportunity I am so proud to have had!” 

The Bursaries are funded by generous contributions from Medical Schools across Australia and New Zealand.