Three Aboriginal doctors who recently graduated from Curtin Medical School committed to helping close the gap

Yamatji and Njamal woman Arkayla McPhee is one of three Aboriginal doctors who recently graduated from Curtin University, driven by a deep desire to help close the gap and improve rural health care.

Earlier this month Dr McPhee, Dr Jaaron Davis and Dr Daisy Alps graduated from their five-year, full-time bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery undergraduate degree at Curtin Medical School.

They are embarking on their careers at a time of strong demand for skilled and culturally aware practitioners, willing to work in regional and rural areas.

Dr McPhee said she had her heart set on becoming a rural generalist.

“My plan is to gain a wide range of clinical skills and experiences in the city to build my clinical confidence, before returning to work in rural and remote settings. I’m particularly interested to pursue additional training in areas such as critical care and Aboriginal health,” she said.

The 27-year-old knew she wanted to become a doctor after working as a medical receptionist not long after finishing high school.

“In this role, I was confronted with the realities of end-stage chronic disease in a way I had never seen before. It sparked a strong desire to work in health care and to give back to my community,” Dr McPhee said.

“Throughout my studies, I developed a clear sense of purpose to become a clinician who delivers culturally safe, compassionate, and equitable care. I want to support my Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients during vulnerable and challenging times and create positive healthcare experiences.

“As an Aboriginal doctor, I want to be part of meaningful change and contribute to Closing the Gap for our communities.”

Curtin vice-chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne congratulated the graduates, saying the achievement was a source of immense pride for the university and reflected the importance of widening pathways into medicine.

“Increasing the number of Aboriginal doctors is essential to closing the health gap, strengthening culturally informed health care and inspiring the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals,” Professor Hayne said.