The involvement by students in CRC for Aboriginal Health
programs and projects is a key part of our approach to capacity
development through research.
In 2006 the Healthy Skin
East Arnhem project hosted two students from The University of
Melbourne who were undertaking an Advanced Medical Science year as
part of a Bachelor of Medical Science.
Danielle Clucas and Nyree O’Connor took part in Healthy
Skin activities in the East Arnhem region, 400–650km east of
Darwin. They did everything from collecting baseline data from
remote clinics to helping run barbecues to celebrate Healthy Skin
Day in the community.
In reporting on their experiences, Danielle and Nyree commented
that they had learned lessons that ‘no textbook could
provide’.
‘We’ve gained more from the past year than our
degree can possibly show.
‘The past year has been a truly eyeopening experience into
an area of health which seems a world away from medical practice in
urban Melbourne. Through experience we’ve learned about the
health issues faced by Aboriginal communities, become aware of the
extent of their access to healtcare, and recognised the true impact
that social determinants have on health.
'We’ve learned a lot about cultural awareness and
cross-cultural communication.
'And finally we’ve learned that … researching in
Indigenous health is a two-way process.'
Many other CRC for Aboriginal Health projects contribute to
building a better understanding of Aboriginal health issues and the
concerns of Aboriginal patients by medical or other health
practitioners. CRC for Aboriginal Health-endorsed courses run in
Melbourne, Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin to provide greater
cross-cultural awareness and communication skills for doctors, drug
and alcohol workers, researchers and, soon, psychiatrists.
From CRCAH Annual
Report 2005/2006
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