Dr Karlie James: GPRA NT Scholarship recipient 2025

Meet Dr Karlie James:

GPRA Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarship recipient in 2025

Celebrating Dr Karlie James: A pathway of dedication, culture, and care

Dr Karlie James, a proud Yorta Yorta, Gunaikurnai, and Kuku-Djungan woman, is a shining example of dedication, cultural pride, and a commitment to improving healthcare for First Nations Australians.

As one of the recipients of the prestigious GPRA Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarship for 2025, Karlie’s journey has been one of both personal and professional growth.

A humble beginning

Born and raised in the Northern Territory, Karlie’s roots are firmly embedded in the rich cultural heritage of her family, who come from Victoria, Queensland, and the Torres Strait.

Alongside raising four sons of her own, she has spent much of her life helping to care for her nieces, nephews, and cousins, and it was this nurturing spirit that guided her to the world of medicine, studying through the Northern Territory Medical Program at Flinders University.

Karlie is currently practising on Warumungu country at Tennant Creek Hospital, where she is undertaking rural generalist training, balancing the demands of remote healthcare with her strong sense of responsibility to her family.

“I come from a family where health and community are at the heart of everything we do,” she says.

“My sons and my family have always been my inspiration, and it was their support that gave me the strength to pursue medicine.

“Growing up in the NT, I saw first-hand the health disparities faced by First Nations people, and that’s what ultimately drove me to become a doctor.”

A passion for medicine and rural health

Karlie’s journey into medicine was deeply influenced by her experiences in the Northern Territory, where health inequities became increasingly apparent as she worked in more remote areas.

“I always had a desire to study medicine, but it was the stark health disparities in remote communities, especially for First Nations people, that really inspired me to pursue it,” she reflects.

“The more I worked in the Territory, the clearer it became that I needed to be part of the solution, that I needed to step up for my people.”

Despite the challenges of remote healthcare, including being away from her family, Karlie finds great reward in the opportunity to learn and grow within the unique and often complex context of rural generalist practice.

“The work is challenging but incredibly fulfilling. Every day I learn something new – whether it’s about patient care, working within the healthcare system, or understanding the unique needs of the communities I serve,” she says.

“Training as a rural generalist gives me the chance to develop the skills I need to provide comprehensive care across multiple specialties, and it’s exactly the kind of career that I find most rewarding.”

Embracing challenges, providing care

Working as a junior doctor in the remote areas of the NT, Karlie has faced a number of professional challenges.

As a PGY3, she is still in the process of developing her clinical skills and knowledge, particularly in the remote healthcare setting. However, the challenges are part of what draws her to this path.

“Being away from my family has been tough, especially when I’m away for long periods,” she admits.

“But the support I get from my colleagues and mentors here is invaluable. It’s the kind of environment where I can grow as a doctor while also being able to serve these communities effectively.”

Karlie also highlights the importance of empathy, cultural awareness, and the ability to manage multiple health conditions at once in her practice.

“To be a good GP, especially in rural and remote areas, you need to have lived experience in those areas,” she says.

“You need to understand the realities of people’s lives, and be compassionate when managing chronic diseases.

“Having empathy and the ability to recognise when care needs to be escalated is also vital.”

A vision for the future

Looking ahead, Karlie has a clear vision of where she sees herself in the next five to 10 years.

“In five years, I hope to be working in remote communities, either in the Northern Territory or Victoria,” she shares.

“By then, I aim to be well on my way to achieving fellowship with ACRRM, with advanced training in paediatrics.

“My dream for the future is to develop health promotion and education programs along with primary care delivery in remote communities, with a focus on paediatric primary care.

“It would be a privilege to develop holistic care practices in remote areas for preventative medicine and strengthen chronic disease management.”

Her commitment to early detection of serious illnesses such as streptococcus infections and rheumatic heart disease stands at the core of her long-term goals.

“It’s not just about providing care for patients when they’re unwell; it’s about prevention, early intervention, and strengthening chronic disease management,” she says.

“I want to help improve the health of remote communities through better access to healthcare and education.”

A moment that made a difference

One of the most significant moments in Karlie’s career came when she was working in a tertiary hospital as a junior doctor, and would check in daily with a patient who struggled to manage her chronic conditions.

“This particular patient had been coming to the emergency department frequently and was struggling with her chronic diseases,” Karlie recalls.

“I helped to link her in with her community GP services and build continuity of care in the tertiary setting.

“It was that moment that I realised the impact I can have with my people as a First Nations doctor.”

The honour of a GPRA NT Scholarship

Being a recipient of the GPRA Professor Alan Walker Paediatric Scholarship is a momentous achievement for Karlie.

“This scholarship means the world to me. It’s an absolute honour to be awarded this opportunity,” she says with gratitude.

“It will allow me to pursue further training and develop the skills I need to become a better rural generalist, particularly in paediatrics.”

The scholarship represents a significant step forward in her career, providing access to advanced training that will enhance her ability to deliver care in remote communities.

“The scholarship will help me gain the skills and knowledge I need to make a greater impact in remote healthcare,” she says.

“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity and excited to continue my journey.”

A gratitude-filled future

As Karlie continues her career, she remains deeply grateful for the people who have supported her along the way.

“I can’t thank my family, mentors, and the communities I serve enough. They’ve been a huge part of this journey,” she says.

“I can’t wait to continue working towards my goal of improving healthcare for remote communities, particularly for First Nations Australians.”

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