Keep The Fire Burning – Blak Loud and Proud
The Rural Doctors Association Australia (RDAA) is encouraging members to show their support and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, not only during NAIDOC week, but through their medical practice all year round.
Dr RT Lewandowski, RDAA President said that it was exciting to see the depth of interest and engagement in First Nations culture throughout the rural doctor community.
‘We have some great Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders in the rural health space, and we have learned much from them,’ said Dr Lewandowski.
Partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous rural doctors
‘The Aboriginal Health curriculums taught to medical students and junior doctors today were largely developed through partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous rural doctors, who led the way in recognising the integral role culture plays in health.
‘This year’s NAIDOC theme, Keep The Fire Burning – Blak Loud and Proud, honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture, and celebrates a future where First Nations people feel recognised and respected.
‘At RDAA we are supporting our members to learn more about Indigenous culture and how our patients can benefit from us showing our respect, support and interest in this oldest continuous living culture.’
Rural Medicine Australia conference
In partnership with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), RDAA hosts the annual conference, Rural Medicine Australia (RMA24), which is the largest gathering of rural doctors in the country.
In the spirit of reconciliation RDAA and ACRRM commission a custom artwork from a local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander artist which is integrated into the RMA branding to promote cultural awareness and educate conference delegates about the Country on which they gather and the Traditional Owners who have been caring for Country for tens of thousands of years.
Cultural Performance
Dr Lewandowski said there will be a fabulous Cultural Performance along with a special Welcome to Country at the opening event. ‘For the first time a full-day pre-conference Cultural Safety course presented by the Australian Indigenous Doctor’s Association (AIDA), which will help participants to extend their knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture, and explore how attitudes and values can influence perceptions, assumptions and behaviours in a doctor’s practise,’ said Dr Lewandowski.
‘This is all in addition to many clinical, research and education sessions aimed at improving the care we provide to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait patients.
‘RDAA also offers discounted registration to AIDA’s online Introduction to Cultural Awareness course, to help members develop a greater understanding of Indigenous health perspectives, to inspire change their own clinical practice and become an agent for change for others.
‘We encourage all our members and friends in rural communities to attend a NAIDOC event this week, keeping the fire of Reconciliation burning.’
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