Next generation leaders learn from the best

Medical students from The University of Notre Dame (UNDA) and The University of Western Australia were given the opportunity to come together and learn from renowned leaders in medicine at a recent Leadership Development Forum. A joint initiative between the Medical Students’ Association of Notre Dame (MSAND) and the Western Australian Medical Students’ Association (WAMSS), the forum was held at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and included a line-up of experts, specialists and community leaders whose goal was to inspire, inform and equip the next generation of doctors. UNDA’s Director of Clinical Teaching, Professor Kingsley Faulkner, Associate Professor of Medicine, Dr Rosanna Capolingua and Head of Indigenous Health, Associate Professor Clive Walley, spoke about the experiences and lessons learned during their careers, with a focus on the future of medicine, dealing with the media, personal wellbeing and Indigenous health. Associate Professor Walley said he was pleased to have the opportunity to highlight issues surrounding Indigenous health and to address some of the challenges involved for young doctors choosing that pathway. “My advice to students in Medicine and others studying Indigenous issues at Notre Dame, would be to learn from both groups of Indigenous Australians; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. “Embrace the culture, recognise and try to understand why things have occurred in the past that have had a big impact on Indigenous health today and don’t be afraid to ask questions, lead by example, develop partnerships and networks throughout the journey of your studies.” Associate Professor Walley said he commended MSAND for their pro-active approach in promoting Indigenous health. He also acknowledged colleagues, Dr Tim Leahy and Associate Professor Elizabeth Mortley, for their tireless effort and commitment to Indigenous health education. MSAND representative, Ania Smialkowski, says she has since received feedback from students and speakers expressing their gratitude at being able to participate in the Forum. “The students really engaged with the speakers, asking challenging and insightful questions and spending most of the breaks continuing discussions from the sessions,” she said. “Each speaker displayed charisma, integrity, vision, professionalism and humility. For us, as medical students and junior doctors wanting to become leaders in medicine, we need role models and mentors with these qualities to look up to. “Many students said they had never left a day of talks feeling so inspired and motivated.” Media Contact: Andrea Barnard (+61) 8 9433 0610, Mob (+61) 0408 959 13