While AMEE provided a global outlook, the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) 2025 conference grounded us in the vital local context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Held on the traditional lands of the Gadigal peoples of the Eora Nation in Sydney, the conference theme was Evoking Sovereignty, Honouring Country & Nurturing Community.
Our team joined incredible First Nations leaders and doctors gathering together from various medical disciplines, along with First Nations medical students studying across the country. The resounding call to action was clear: we must work towards genuine Indigenous sovereignty within healthcare and healthcare systems.
Our First Nations Health Lead, Dr. Narawi Foley Boscott, took the stage in the high-energy Quick & Deadly session, a strict format allowing just 20 seconds per slide for 20 slides. Dr. Foley Boscott presented passionately on her experiences within specialist training and her work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Hospital Liaison Officers (HLOs) to educate PGY1 doctors.
Key takeaways from her presentation included:
The Value of HLOs: Emphasising the incredible knowledge resource HLOs provide. Junior doctors have a unique opportunity to learn about First Nations perspectives on health directly from HLOs, improving communication and cultural safety.
Broadening Career Horizons: Dr. Foley Boscott advocated for Indigenous doctors to forge careers that are not strictly confined to existing specialty training structures. She championed incorporating First Nations knowledge systems to create a future where all Indigenous people thrive.
The event culminated in a spectacular Gala Dinner at Luna Park. A highlight was witnessing Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander doctors receiving their painted stethoscopes, a rite of passage for those graduating medical school or completing fellowship training.
It was an inspiring glimpse into the future for NewMed. We look forward to the day our own Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander medical students reach this milestone, having their achievements recognised by AIDA and holding their own painted stethoscopes.
