
The overarching aim of AIDA’s STSP is to grow the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander non-GP medical specialists.
Recent data shows that only 0.2% of all medical specialists identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Data provided by non-GP specialist colleges in 2021 showed that there only 50 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Fellows of non-GP specialty colleges and 99 doctors in training.
AIDA’s STSP Team is working with colleges and Trainees, developing resources and other initiatives to build and improve recruitment and retention strategies.
Our College Partners:
- Australasian College of Dermatology
- Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians
- Australian College of Emergency Medicine
- Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
- Royal Australasian College of Physicians
- Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators
- College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand
- Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists
Meet the Team

Dr Karen Nicholls
Is constantly working with members and colleges with the goal to increase the number of First Nations non-GP Fellows.
Her role involves advocacy and individualised support.
As well as addressing barriers to culturally safe training, recruitment and retention within the training programs.

Mrs Bianca Field
Yaama, I am Bianca Field a proud Kamilaroi woman. I came to AIDA in September 2021 with over 10-years’ experience in Medical Administration within NSW Health – In 2019 I won the AMA Doctor in training JMO Manager of the year award and in 2020, the Doctor in Training JMO Unit of the year award – Individual.
I have a strong passion for welfare and wellbeing of doctors. I have a background in performance coaching and psychotherapy. As a proud Aboriginal woman, I am pleased to offer 1 on 1 culturally safe coaching complementing what colleges offer.
I have had the privilege over the last 11 years to accompany doctors on their training journey across all subspecialties. My individual tailored approach through an Indigenous lens has led to great success for our trainees to successfully gain entry onto their chosen training pathway, often after previous failure.

Stephanie May
Steph lives on Wurundjeri Country and is a non-Aboriginal person of English heritage.
Steph is passionate about supporting First Nation visionaries and leaders and in her role as the Specialist Trainee Program Support Coordinator, brings project management, policy development and community engagement skills.
For the last 10 years Steph has worked in the Aboriginal health and medical workforce space including roles with IGPRN, Eastern Health and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation leading GP workforce development.
Prior to this Steph worked in a range of positions in State, local and Federal government. Consistent throughout her career has been commitment to growing as an effective ally to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Events
AIDA STSP Webinars for Supervisors

CV Writing
A distilled Webinar for Supervisors on providing help with CV Writing to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Trainees delivered by AIDA’s Specialist Trainee Support Program team.

Job Interview Preparation
A distilled Webinar for Supervisors on providing help with Job Interview Preparation to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Trainees delivered by AIDA’s Specialist Trainee Support Program team.
Communiques
27 September 2022
9 December 2022