Yamatji woman Laura English has become Deakin University’s first Indigenous doctor after graduating on Thursday afternoon.
“It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, it’s been an absolute emotional rollercoaster, but it was definitely worth it,” Laura said.
“I always wanted to work in health and had medicine in the back of my mind, but never thought I could get there.
“I really want to show Indigenous students that becoming a doctor is something that is reachable if they want it.”
Laura will graduate alongside husband Terrance, who she met during her course and married last year.
The couple will start internships together at University Hospital Geelong next year.
They were also the first Deakin students to go on a research trip to Greenland this year, while Laura completed a six-month placement with Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative.
“The Inuit people of Greenland have similar health issues to Indigenous people in Australia, so I was keen to learn from doctors over there,” Laura said.
“Indigenous health and closing the gap is such a huge area, and we desperately need more doctors, nurses and health professionals from our community.”
Laura worked for two years as a nurse after graduating Deakin’s Institute of Koorie Education in 2012.
Her parents encouraged her to apply for Deakin University Medical School’s Indigenous entry scheme, which currently has nine students.
