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Applications for the 2019 AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship close on 31 January 2019

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students currently studying medicine at an Australian university are invited to apply for the 2019 AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship.

The successful applicant will receive $10,000 each year for the duration of their course.

AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, is encouraging Indigenous medical students to apply for the Scholarship, highlighting that a highly skilled medical workforce that includes more Indigenous doctors and health professionals is an important part in reducing health inequalities for Indigenous Australians.

“The significant gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians is a national disgrace that must be tackled by all levels of Government, the private and corporate sectors, and all segments of our community,” Dr Bartone said.

“It’s evident that Indigenous people have a greater chance of improved health outcomes when they are treated by Indigenous doctors and health professionals.

“Indigenous people are more likely to make and keep medical appointments when they are confident that they will be treated by someone who understands their culture, their language, and their unique circumstances.

“Previous Scholarship recipients have gone on to become prominent leaders in health and medicine, including Associate Professor Kelvin Kong, Australia’s first Aboriginal surgeon.

“The AMA strongly encourages Indigenous students to apply for the Scholarship, which, along with the AMA’s annual Report Card on Indigenous Health and the work of the AMA Taskforce on Indigenous Health, is part of the AMA’s commitment to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.”

Applications for the Scholarship must be received by 31 January 2019.

To be eligible for the Scholarship, applicants must be currently enrolled at an Australian medical school,and be in at least their first year of medicine. Applicants must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background.

Further information, including the application form, can be found at https://www.ama.com.au/indigenous-medical-scholarship-2019.

Donations are tax deductible. If you are interested in making a contribution, you can do so by downloading the donation form at: https://ama.com.au/donate-indigenous-medical-scholarship. For enquiries, please contact the AMA via email at indigenousscholarship@ama.com.au or phone (02) 6270 5400.

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