AIDA Communique – Specialist Trainee Support Program

This was the sixth meeting of the Group and continues the collaboration between AIDA and colleges to support growth of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specialist workforce through stronger recruitment and retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors in non-GP specialty training. [...] The group was reminded of the sombre history of racism that dominated and continues to infiltrate research on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. [...] The OCHRe Network was formed to “establish a culturally secure and inclusive network of Indigenous researchers across Australia and sovereign Indigenous Nations, that builds unique skills at the interface of culture, science, and health research and translates to improvements in the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples.” Prof Brown noted feedback from trainees from a recent Masterclass deliv. [...] Dr Earl spoke highly of the response from his Emergency Department Co-directors, Dr Chris Hercus and Dr Katrina Romualdez and his employer the Royal Adelaide Hospital in recognising and responding to the cultural load and the value that Dr Earl brought to the hospital and health outcomes. [...] The group was supportive of the proposal and of the opportunity to continue to collaborate and share where possible.