Promoting Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori Health
The RCPA is proud of our connections with the Aboriginal Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA) and the Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa – Māori Medical Practitioners Association (Te ORA), connections we value and support now and into the future.
The RCPA has a Regulation setting out its purposes with respect to the needs of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori People.
RCPA is committed to improving health outcomes for Indigenous patients and their whānau/families. Our commitment is reflected in our pledge to grow and support an Indigenous pathology workforce. This commitment to training more Indigenous pathologists is grounded in principles of quality and excellence as well as College and Medical Council regulations. We recognise and value that Indigenous trainees bring to our College additional skills and expertise such as cultural knowledge, worldviews and understanding of health issues in their respective communities. We pledge to create pathways for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori doctors seeking careers in pathology
There are many benefits to informing RCPA that you identify as an Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or Māori doctor. Our Guideline on selection of trainees states that all Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or Māori applicants should proceed directly to interview provided that they meet eligibility criteria in terms of medical registration and duration of clinical experience. Also see our Policy on admission to College training programs.
We also work closely with the LIME Network. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors considering a career in pathology may find helpful information on their Pathways into Specialisation online resource.
We have an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Māori Health and Workforce Steering Committee chaired by the RCPA President. The Committee enacts the College’s commitment to achieving health equity for the Indigenous peoples of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The Committee includes representation of Indigenous pathology fellows, trainees and doctors from both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
We have designed cultural safety modules that address the learning outcomes published in the curriculum handbooks for trainees in all disciplines. The modules are based upon a broad understanding of culture that includes ethnicity, gender, spiritual beliefs, sexual orientation, lifestyle, beliefs, age, social status, and perceived economic worth, among other factors.
Funding you can apply for
Medical Students, PGY1 & PGY2 Doctors Grants to attend RCPA’s Annual Scientific Meeting Pathology Update
This is an annual Grant open to Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori medical students and PGY1 & PGY2 doctors. Several sponsorships are available, which includes return airfares, accommodation and conference registration for the three-day event.
Medical Students, PGY1 and PGY2 Doctors Sponsorships to attend RCPA’s New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting
This Grant is offered annually to Māori medical/science students and PGY1 and PGY2 doctors to attend our New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting. The Grant includes return airfares, accommodation and conference registration.
Medical Students Scholarship for a project in Pathology
There is an annual scholarship open to one Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori medical student. Valued at $2,000, it is offered to a student undertaking the Bachelor of Medicine (or equivalent) degree course for a project associated with pathology.
Supporting Trainees - Mentoring Grant
This Grant is open to Fellows solely to assist the education and training of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or Māori Trainee. It provides funding to ensure that trainees have access to two mentors. If you are a trainee, RCPA can work with AIDA or TE Ora and you to identify a professional mentor to assist you throughout your training.
Māori Trainees Experiences
How do I get more information?
For more information, please contact rcpa@rcpa.edu.au or +61 2 8356 5896.
AIDA COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) Updates