2008 Frank Archibald Memorial Lecture
Improving Indigenous Health
presented by Associate Professor Peter O'Mara
Peter will examine the work of the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association in developing policies and improving theNewsthis month Indigenous health workforce. He will provide an overview of some of the Association’s current projects, and give his own perspective on some of the recent developmentsin training for Registrars and Fellows of the Royal Australian College of General Practice.
Associate Professor Peter O'Mara
Vice-President of the Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association
Associate Professor, Indigenous Medical Education and Head of Discipline - Indigenous Health, Newcastle University
"I am from the Wiradjuri people of NSW. I completed most of my schooling in the Hunter Valley, NSW. I obtained an apprenticeship as a fitter machinist, which would see me working underground in a coal mine as a mine mechanic.
After sustaining an injury that made it difficult to physically carry on down this path, I embarked on a matriculation course at the University of Newcastle, NSW. Upon completion I began studying psychology and biology with the intention of becoming a clinical psychologist. Before completing this course I was accepted into medicine at the University of Newcastle.
On completion of this degree my family and I were off to Mackay, QLD, for my internship. This was a great experience in a laid back town with a large Indigenous population. I returned to NSW on the Rural GP training program.
My areas of interest are Indigenous health and emergency medicine. My aim is to assist in achieving equality of health and life for all Indigenous Australians."
Venue: Oorala Aboriginal Centre
