Supporting the Aboriginal rural health workforce

Twenty-three-year-old Jordan Amos is an Aboriginal woman from western NSW and is in her fourth year of a medicine degree at the University of Newcastle. 

While a student, she enrolled into RDN's Indigenous Cadetship Program and was awarded $30,000 to go towards her medical degree. 

The program is one of RDN’s activities to support the development of the Aboriginal rural health workforce, which includes Indigenous scholarships, professional development opportunities and specialised training.  

“As a young student starting out on my career journey, RDN welcomed me with open arms and has supported me every step along the way,” Ms Amos said. 

RDN’s support to Ms Amos has also included a relocation grant, participation in the annual cadet weekend and subsidised attendance to RDN conferences and events. 

“The work I have done so far has inspired me to become an advocate for health literacy and patient empowerment, especially within our Indigenous communities,” she said. 

“The contacts I have made from the cadet weekends and at conferences have opened up connections that I will keep throughout my career and have helped me identify what path is right for me.” 

Nicole Turner is RDN’s Aboriginal Workforce Engagement Manager and is working to ensure that there is a steady stream of young Aboriginal people entering the rural health workforce. 

“It is vital that we have Aboriginal people represented in Aboriginal health. Students and young professionals like Jordan have knowledge about Aboriginal culture that will help them to provide primary health care to communities across Australia,” said Ms Turner. 

“As part of Reconciliation Week, RDN reaffirms its recognition and acknowledgement of the policies and practices have led to inequity and an indelible impact on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people,” she said. 

“RDN has a long history of working to increase access to health services for Aboriginal people across NSW, including through our partnerships with Aboriginal organisations, such as the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW.”

Pictured: Jordan Amos