Bold goal to boost Australia’s Indigenous medical workforce

The University of Queensland has committed to doubling the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students by 2030.

The Indigenous Student Enrolment Strategy for its Doctor of Medicine degree has set an ambitious goal to enrol 100 Indigenous students across the four-year program by 2030, supporting long‑term growth in the Indigenous medical workforce across Australia.

Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences Associate Dean (Indigenous Engagement), Professor Thelma Parker, said the strategy, which aligns with UQ’s Queensland Commitment, reflected UQ’s responsibility to foster culturally safe pathways and would help boost the numbers of First Nations doctors.

First Nations doctors improve access and cultural safety

“There are not enough First Nations doctors in the community and we’ve created a bold target deliberately because incremental change is not sufficient,’’ Professor Parker said.

“Representation matters, critical mass matters, belonging matters and the health of our First Nations peoples matters.

“Evidence consistently shows that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors improve access, cultural safety, and outcomes for First Nations patients and strengthen the health system for everyone.’’

The strategy aims to foster a ’vibrant, culturally safe, and academically rigorous environment’ and sets a goal to enrol 25 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students per year, starting in 2027. The overall target is to have 100 students enrolled by 2030, including in the regional medical programs.

Medical School Interim Dean, Professor Riitta Partanen.

Medical School Interim Dean, Professor Riitta Partanen, said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students represented about 4.5 per cent of the current cohort enrolled in the MD program.

“While UQ is already recruiting Indigenous students above the population parity, this new target will essentially double the number of Indigenous students to help create a more equitable medical future,” Professor Partanen said.

Meaningful partnerships with communities

“This strategy also demonstrates that studying medicine at UQ is within reach, that we offer a culturally-safe and supportive environment, and that entry pathways are visible, achievable, and welcoming.

“By 2030, having 100 Indigenous medical students enrolled in our MD Program will represent a generational shift.”

The strategy spans the student lifecycle and beyond, and has been built through meaningful partnerships with communities, schools and health services across Queensland.

An Indigenous Student Enrolment Strategy Advisory Committee will be established, chaired by a senior Indigenous medical leader and will include voluntary members from urban, regional and rural communities.

Currently, students are able to study an MD in Greater Brisbane as well as regional areas including Central Queensland, Wide Bay and Darling Downs through the Regional Medical Pathway programs.

Mayne Professor of Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Professor Brad Murphy said the initiative included enhanced outreach activities, strengthened enabling pathways, increased mentoring and academic support.

“Cultural representation will be embedded as part of the admission pathways, including Indigenous-led interview panels, to uphold equity and cultural integrity in MD Program selection processes,” Professor Murphy said.

“This is a whole‑of‑faculty approach to cultural learning and responsibility.”