A journey of healing, dedication, and hope
With Australia recognising National Reconciliation Week 2025 (27 May-3 June), GPRA recently interviewed Dr Montana Chugg, a proud pakana luna (Tasmanian Aboriginal woman) with a remarkable journey into medicine.
Monty, as she is affectionately known, is currently navigating her path as a Rural Generalist in Cairns, far from where her ancestors once walked on the lands surrounding Kanamaluka (River Tamar) in Tasmania.
Her story not only reflects the depth of her cultural connection but also demonstrates the transformative power of education, family sacrifice, and the unwavering desire to give back to her community.
Born and raised in the heart of George Town and Bangor, Monty’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and the deep-rooted connection between her heritage and the health of her community.
“I grew up in a humble home, but I was wealthy beyond measure, so very loved,” Monty recalls.
“My grandparents worked harder than I could ever have imagined, and two generations later, I became one of the first in my family to attend university.”
Her journey, though marked with personal challenges, is driven by the legacy of those who came before her.
“I credit every success to them — their love and their sacrifice got me here,” she says with profound gratitude.
Monty’s deep connection to her roots runs through her veins.
“I am a very proud pakana luna, and I feel incredibly honoured to work and learn on Gimuy-Walubara-Yidinji Country,” she explains.
Her family’s history stretches from her mother’s side, with her Poppy West, a proud palawa man, sharing stories of growing up with the struggles of being an Aboriginal man with blonde hair and blue eyes, facing discrimination even in his own community.
“My Poppy has worked his entire life to create a better future for his daughters and eventually his grandchildren. I am blessed to be one of them,” Monty reflects.
Her non-Indigenous grandmother, Nanna Chugg, is an equally influential figure in Monty’s life.
“Nanna is one of the most intelligent, compassionate, and resilient people I know,” Monty shares.
“Though she spent her childhood caring for her younger siblings, she still embodied an unwavering love for family — a value I carry with me every day.”
This blend of family resilience, strength, and love for the land has profoundly shaped Monty’s career and her passion for making a tangible difference in the lives of those she serves.
Her path to medicine wasn’t a linear one. In fact, Monty never initially imagined becoming a doctor.
“All I knew is that I loved working with people and wanted to try and help others,” she admits.
Her earliest memories of healthcare stem from the loss of her Poppy Chugg to an untreated melanoma.
“He never got checked, and I remember thinking that wasn’t very fair. If someone had noticed it earlier, maybe things would have turned out differently,” she recalls.
This early experience ignited Monty’s interest in healthcare, but it wasn’t until later that she realised that medicine was the perfect blend of science and human connection.
“In high school, I realised I loved science, and that’s when I started thinking that medicine might be a perfect fit for me,” she says.
Monty’s academic journey was shaped by immense support from her mentors, tutors, and friends.
She studied her Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Tasmania (UTAS), where she faced the demanding challenge of balancing the rigorous academic requirements with her passion for rural and Indigenous healthcare.
“It was five of the most challenging years of my life,” Monty says, reflecting on the hurdles she overcame. “But I was supported by incredible mentors and lecturers who helped me grow into the doctor I am today.”
Her connection to rural healthcare was solidified early in her studies. As part of the John Flynn Placement Program, Monty returned to Kinimathatakinta (George Town) during her second year of medical school, reconnecting with the land and her roots.
“It was a chance to give back to the community that helped raise me,” she explains. “I could see the challenges they faced, and I knew that I wanted to be part of the solution.”
Monty’s internship year at Launceston General Hospital in 2022 marked a significant turning point in her medical journey.
“It was a busy and challenging year, but I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be,” she says.
After completing her internship, Monty moved to Cairns in 2023 to immerse herself in rural generalist medicine.
“I fell in love with this land and the people here,” she says with warmth. “It’s such a diverse and vibrant community, and the people have taught me so much.”
In 2025, Monty began her ACRRM (Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine) training, focusing on the specific skills needed to serve her community effectively as a Rural Generalist.
“Rural generalists are some of the hardest-working, most resourceful doctors I know,” Monty says, acknowledging the breadth of knowledge required to serve in under-resourced areas.
“General practice is about being resourceful, adapting quickly, and connecting with people on a deeply personal level.”
One of the aspects of general practice that Monty finds most rewarding is the opportunity to care for patients through all stages of life.
“I love the variety,” she says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to care for patients on their worst days, but it’s even more special to see them recover, to watch them get better, and to support them through their healing process.”
Monty’s journey has not been without challenges, though. “The breadth of knowledge required for general practice is vast,” she admits.
“It’s overwhelming at times, and I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface. But I’ve been fortunate to have amazing mentors who make learning fun and possible.”
Looking ahead to the next 5-10 years, Monty has a clear vision of where she wants to be.
“I see myself as a Rural Generalist in a remote town in Far North Queensland,” she says.
“I want to work in all parts of healthcare — primary care, emergency departments, and even providing rural generalist anaesthesia to facilitate visiting specialists.
“I want to be a part of the community, not just as a doctor, but as a member of that community.”
Monty’s work as a doctor extends beyond the clinic, as she plans to teach future generations of medical students and junior doctors.
“I can’t wait to see what opportunities arise,” she says. “There’s always an alternative path in life, and I’m excited to see where my journey takes me.”
One of the most memorable moments in Monty’s career came during a particularly emotional shift in Cairns, when she was called to assist in an emergency case.
“I remember holding a very unwell patient’s hand as she bled internally,” she says quietly.
“I stayed with her as she passed away, and though I initially felt like I had failed her, I later realised that what she needed most was simply to be seen and cared for in that moment.”
For Monty, these moments of simple compassion are what make the most profound impact.
“Sometimes, being a doctor isn’t about having all the answers,” she says. “It’s about being present for people when they need you most.”
National Reconciliation Week holds profound significance for Monty, as it is a time to reflect on the ongoing struggles faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly within the healthcare system.
“Australia still has a long way to go when it comes to racism in healthcare,” she acknowledges.
“But the growing number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors is a sign of change, and reconciliation is slowly happening.”
As for the future, Monty has a powerful message for other First Nations people considering a career in medicine.
“Our Old People fought so that we could attend university, that we could receive healthcare and provide for our communities,” she says with pride.
“If you’re willing to try, you’ll find an army of Blak doctors standing beside you every step of the way. You are essential. Your work is essential. And if you give it a go, you can make a big difference for mob.”
Monty’s journey as a First Nations doctor is not just a testament to her hard work and dedication but also an inspiration for future generations.
As Monty looks toward the future, she remains committed to her community, her culture, and her patients — continually inspired by the strength and resilience of her mob.
“Reconciliation Week is a time to celebrate the Old People whose blood and sacrifice mark the soil beneath us,” Monty says with conviction.
“I’m proud to stand on that soil, and I’ll continue to do so as a doctor, for my mob and for my country.”
Cairns photo by Alex Monckton
