It is well known that the most disadvantaged group in Australia are Indigenous people. Indigenous Australians overall have poorer physical and mental health, are less likely to complete primary, secondary and tertiary education and do not have the same employment opportunities as non-Indigenous Australians.
They are also dealing with the compounding impact of multigenerational grief, loss and trauma related to colonisation, the stolen generation, racism and discrimination, and cultural dislocation on a daily basis.
In relation to medicine, the positive effects of Indigenous doctors for Indigenous people’s physical, emotional and cultural wellbeing have long been recognised by government and other Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders. More Indigenous doctors are needed.
