As one of last year’s recipients of the esteemed GPRA Ada Wilmadda Parry Aboriginal Health Scholarship, Dr Anna Walmsley has embraced the opportunity to deepen her understanding of culturally safe palliative care for First Nations patients in the Northern Territory.

Her journey highlights the profound impact of the GPRA NT scholarships in supporting GP registrars committed to rural and remote health care.

The GPRA Ada Wilmadda Parry Aboriginal Health Scholarship provided Anna with the means to complete her clinical foundation in Palliative Medicine through the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP).

This invaluable training, undertaken with Territory Palliative Care, allowed her to explore culturally responsive end-of-life care and enhance her ability to support patients and their families during critical times.

“Many First Nations people wish to die on country,” Anna explains.

“This scholarship has given me the skills and learning to hopefully be able to facilitate this into the future.

“It has also enabled me to grow as a clinician through self-reflection and deep listening with the Aboriginal Liaison Officer at Territory Palliative Care and with the patients.”

Anna acknowledges that her scholarship experience challenged her to rethink how she practices medicine, ultimately shaping her approach to patient care.

“This period challenged me to rethink how I practice, which will enable me to better serve First Nations and other patients into the future,” she says.

By fostering a deeper understanding of cultural sensitivities around death and dying, she is now better equipped to integrate this knowledge into her work, ensuring that her patients receive compassionate and culturally safe care.

For those considering applying for the GPRA NT scholarships this year, Anna has one simple piece of advice: “Just go for it.”

“There is always more to learn if you are willing to listen, think, and be challenged,” she says.

“This is such an amazing opportunity that can enable you to continue to grow as a GP so that we can better serve the communities we work in.”

Having lived remotely in the past, Anna has a deep appreciation for the role of general practice in rural and remote NT communities.

Currently based in Darwin due to her children’s schooling, she remains a strong advocate for doctors considering work in rural and remote areas.

“Remote and rural communities are the lifeblood of the NT, but unfortunately, they are disproportionately disadvantaged by their postcode compared to people in the city,” she says.

“General practice in these areas offers diversity, challenges, and community that you simply can’t find anywhere else.”

Anna’s experience underscores the importance of the GPRA NT Scholarships in equipping GP registrars with the skills and knowledge to make a lasting difference in rural and remote health care.

If you are passionate about serving these communities and expanding your clinical expertise, this scholarship could be the perfect opportunity to further your journey as a GP registrar in the NT.

Find out more and apply now.