AIDA member, Dr Stephanie Trust, didn’t always see herself as a doctor.
“I didn’t think I could do medicine. I didn’t think it was in my league,” she recalls.
“But I had some really important people in my life who were allies, and they told me, ‘Yes, you can.’”
Today, Dr Trust is the Clinical Director of Wunan Health in Kununurra, East Kimberley and a former AIDA board member. A proud Gija and Walmajarri woman, she works in an Aboriginal-owned, not-for-profit private practice where cultural care and Community are at the heart of everything she does.
Her journey began in enrolled nursing, inspired by her mother, a traditional midwife. That early experience laid the foundation for her medical career. Later, she returned to study medicine as a mature-age student.
Creating Space for Community Leadership
Dr Trust is a strong advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in medicine. For her, it’s not just about increasing numbers; it’s about making an impact.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors can influence the way health is delivered,” she says.
“That kind of influence is like the tide coming in. It lifts all boats.”
When Dr Trust began her career, there were few Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors, mostly General Practitioners (GPs) and a handful of specialists. Today, there are more than 850 across Australia, including 354 in training.
Dr Trust is proud to be part of this change, but she knows there is more to be done.
“We need our voices in every part of the system, including the institutions that train us.”
Community-Led Healthcare
For Dr Trust, true health leadership begins with Community. She believes in building local capacity and ensuring that her region has skilled health workers who understand Community needs.
“We don’t want to always rely on flying people in, we want to grow our own workforce,” she says.
“Support local people to become mental health workers, allied health professionals, or assistants — people who grew up in the community and now want to work in that space.”
This approach is not just practical; it is transformative. Medical clinics and private practices need to adopt flexible models to make care accessible even in rural areas.
But it’s not just about doing more with less. It’s about making sure the Community is influencing the system — from telehealth to the employment of doctors — across the region.
“Innovation is critical because you have to think differently to deliver services,” she says.
Culture at the Heart of Care
AIDA’s vision is that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have self-determination in a culturally safe health system where doctors are not just present but empowered to lead by drawing on the strengths of their culture.
Recently, Dr Trust spent time on Country with Elders, learning about bush medicine and traditional healing.
“For me, the question is: ‘how do we bring that into mainstream healthcare?’ I think there’s a real appetite for that — not just in Aboriginal Communities but across Australia.”
She believes people are wanting a more holistic approach to health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors can bring a unique set of skills that benefits all Australians.
Recognising Community and Connection
In 2024, Dr Trust was named WA’s Rural GP of the Year. For her, the recognition reflects the dedication of her team and the strength of her Community.
“I always say, I’m the coach of a great team,” she shares.
“They make me look good.”
Dr Trust’s story is one of strength, purpose, and cultural pride. As a leader, educator, and advocate, she is helping to shape a healthcare system that reflects the values, voices, and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“There’s a real sense of belonging, of making a difference in the place where you live and work,” she says.
“I hear from our Community – especially our kids – that they know they can dream big.”
“That being a doctor isn’t something out of reach because they can see someone like them doing it.”
