A/Executive Director of Medical Services Dr Ineke Wever, Dr Isaac Lange and Dr Blair Rasmussen highlight opportunities on Cape York and the Torres Strait at the annual Australian Indigenous Doctors Association Conference. Photo: Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.
Cape York and Torres Strait healthcare drew plenty of attention at the recent Australian Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA) Conference in Sydney.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) A/Executive Director of Medical Services Dr Ineke Wever, Dr Isaac Lange and Dr Blair Rasmussen were among more than 500 First Nations students, graduates and medical professionals in attendance from across the country at the annual conference, which carried the theme ‘Evoking Sovereignty, Honouring Country, Nurturing Community’.
Dr Wever said the team were able to highlight the great work and opportunities available in remote healthcare.
“Being on the TCHHS booth at the AIDA conference was a great opportunity to link in with upcoming First Nations medical students and training doctors about placements and work opportunities in TCHHS,” she said.
“Many students and training doctors attending AIDA had already heard about the broad experience and supportive training terms provided in our TCHHS sites, and were keen to discuss when they could come up.
“It was great to meet so many Torres Strait Islander medicos and discuss their career aspirations.”
For the first time, TCHHS sponsored a junior medical officer to attend the conference.
Dr Lange was one of 80 students and junior medical officers to attend through conference sponsor-funded packages.
“As a proud Aboriginal medical student working towards becoming a Rural Generalist, I’m passionate about improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities in the Cape, Torres Strait, and Far North Queensland,” he said in his application.
“This conference is a chance to connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, doctors, and leaders who share the same drive.
“I’m really looking forward to networking, learning from others’ experiences, and hearing stories, especially from those working in rural and remote health.”
The TCHHS booth also showcased original art created by ATSI Traineeship and Work Experience Coordinator Ashleigh Wanganeen, titled Cape and Torres Dreamtime.
“The artwork honours the vibrant reds and oranges of Cape York and the deep blues and star-filled skies of the Torres Straits,” she said.
“These colours speak to the heartbeat of both places — the warmth of Cape York sunsets that ground the spirit, and the powerful night skies over the Torres Strait where our ancestors watch over us.
“Together, these elements reflect the connection between land and sea, sunset and starlight, past and present. This piece celebrates both Cape Country and Torres Strait Country, acknowledging their stories, their beauty, and the Dreamtime spirit that unites them.”
