Indigenous health

Two Indigenous brothers set to study medicine at UQ will draw on their cultural knowledge and life experiences with one shared goal – improving health outcomes in their communities.

Dr Noel Hayman, Queensland’s first Indigenous doctor, blazed the trail and now Dr James Tronc is excited to follow in his illustrious footsteps.

Dr Leanne Coombe has been featured in Wiley’s NAIDOC Week content collection.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who use the drug “ice” are being urged to trial a new web-app as part of a public health project designed to stop methamphetamine consumption.

Telehealth delivery of an Indigenous mental health program is being trialled by The University of Queensland, so care is not disrupted by coronavirus restrictions.

Remote Indigenous communities have taken swift and effective action to quarantine residents against the risks of COVID-19. Under a plan developed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group, entry to communities is restricted to essential visitors only. This is important, because crowded and malfunctioning housing in remote Indigenous communities heightens the risk of COVID-19 transmission. High rates of chronic disease mean COVID-19 outbreaks in Indigenous communities may cause high death rates.

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, we need to ensure the most vulnerable people in our communities aren’t left behind. This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, especially those living in remote and very remote areas.

Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are being discouraged from seeking medical help due to public assumptions that sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are the result of sexual abuse.

Working with communities to improve food security among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will be the focus of a significant University of Queensland study.

The University of Queensland has appointed an Associate Dean (Indigenous Engagement) to lead reconciliation in the Faculty of Medicine.