The Heart of the Matter
A Far North Queensland allied health worker has won this year's Dr Ross Ingram Memorial Essay Competition for his essay on cardiovascular disease in indigenous Australians.
Barry Fewquandie's essay, The heart of the matter is, that it's a matter of the heart, was judged the best essay by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person on the topic of indigenous health.
Mr Fewquandie's essay appears in the 19 May indigenous health issue of The Medical Journal of Australia.
Like the late Dr Ingram, after whom the competition is named, Mr Fewquandie has been directly affected by heart disease.
His story focuses on his journey from being a cardiac patient to a cardiovascular health advocate. He is currently the coordinator of the Healthy Hearts Cardiac Rehabilitation & Breathe Easy - Walk Easy Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Program at the Wuchopperen Health Service in Cairns.
"As a patient and now as an allied health worker, I can understand both sides of the coin.
"I tell my story to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease, which is claiming the lives of our brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties and grandparents," he said.
"It is a very sad thing when young indigenous men leave their wives, children and extended families at such an early age."
Mr Fewquandie decided he wanted to be a positive influence on the indigenous community and saw the essay competition as an opportunity to discuss something that is literally close to his heart.
Mr Fewquandie calls on governments, health departments, Aboriginal-controlled community health organisations and the indigenous community to demonstrate they are serious about improving the future health of indigenous Australians.
Mr Fewquandie will receive his $5,000 prize at the Australian Medical Association's national conference in Hobart later this month.
The Medical Journal of Australia is a publication of the Australian Medical Association.
The statements or opinions that are expressed in the MJA reflect the views of the authors and do not represent the official policy of the AMA unless that is so stated.
CONTACT:
Ruth Armstrong (Deputy Editor, The MJA) 02 9562 6640 / 0414 556 415
Kylie Butler (AMA) 02 6270 5466 or 0417 652 488