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.
Dr Angela Forrest
Angela Forrest is an Aboriginal woman living and working in lutruwita (Tasmania).
She is a former AIDA Board member and is a Fellow of the RACGP and lecturer at UTAS.
Angela previously worked at establishing IGPRN (Indigenous General Practice Registrars Network), currently is a medical examiner and Registrar supervisor.
Angela is passionate about increasing the numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors and is excited to be working in the Specialist Trainee Support Program with AIDA.
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
If you are a Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander doctor in training (non-GP), we welcome you to attend our first Specialist Trainee Workshop on 6-8 October on the Gold Coast.
This fully funded workshop will provide you with culturally safe opportunity to connect with your peers and engage in education and professional development to support your success on your training journey.
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors in training (non-GP) are welcome including AIDA members and non-members.
