IGPTN-MALPA Education Project

Inspiring the Next Generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GPs and RGs!

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Indigenous General Practice Training Network (IGPTN) and Malpa’s Young Doctors for Life initiative have partnered to create inspiring educational resources aimed to spark curiosity in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people (aged 9-11 years) about careers as General Practitioners (GPs) and Rural Generalists (RGs).

This inspiring project, funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, has brought together authentic storytelling, hands-on learning activities, and the powerful voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GPs and RGs and their communities to show young people that a career in medicine is both achievable and very rewarding.

PROJECT PURPOSE

The challenge

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people remain significantly underrepresented in the medical profession, particularly in General Practice and Rural Generalist roles. Yet these are the doctors who provide frontline healthcare in our communities, who understand cultural context, and who can make the most difference in addressing health disparities.

Starting conversations about medical careers, or to simply ‘Dream Big’, early – at ages 9-11 – is crucial. This is when young people are forming their ideas about what they might become, and when the right spark can ignite a lifelong passion.

Our solution

We created two lessons and short educational videos (approximately 9 minutes total) for 9-11 year olds that:

• Feature real Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GPs and RGs sharing their authentic stories
• Show, not just tell what GPs and RGs actually do in their day-to-day work
• Break down barriers by showing that there are multiple pathways to becoming a doctor
• Emphasise support systems – family, community, organisations like IGPTN
• Inspire action through accompanying hands-on classroom activities

What makes this different

We filmed real doctors in real clinics in four diverse locations across Australia:

• Wuchopperen Health Service, Cairns (Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service, urban)
• Palm Island, Queensland (remote island community)
• St George, Queensland (remote rural town)
• Albury, New South Wales (regional center)

By showing the diversity of practice settings and the doctors who work in them, we demonstrate that there’s a place for every young person who dreams of becoming a doctor.

PROJECT FILMS

LIGHTS, CAMERA, DEADLY FUTURES! 

ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP

Indigenous General Practice Training Network (IGPTN)

IGPTN is a network dedicated to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander General Practice (GP) and Rural Generalist (RG) trainees by providing professional and cultural support throughout their training journey. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors face, and we’re committed to ensuring they have the mentoring, resources, and community they need to succeed.

Malpa Young Doctors for Life (YDFL)

Malpa’s Young Doctors for Life is a nation-wide initiative designed to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to take control of their health, help others in their communities, and explore careers in health. Through engaging, culturally appropriate programs delivered in schools, YDFL opens young minds to the possibilities of working in healthcare.

Why we worked together

Both IGPTN and Malpa share a common vision: to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors serving our communities. By combining IGPTN’s connection to current and practicing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors with Malpa’s expertise in youth engagement, we created resources that authentically represent the journey to becoming a GP or RG – showing young people that “you can do this, and lots of people have your back.”

This project was supported by

WANT TO RUN THE PROGRAM YOURSELF?

All resources are freely available for teachers, schools, and community organisations across Australia. Inspire the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GPs/RGs in your community – download all the lesson plans, activities, and resources you need here.

Or download the items individually as required.

For Parents / Guardians

• Letter to Parents/Guardians (introduction to the program)
• Parent/Guardian Brochure (information on becoming an RG/GP)

More information for: