A brief experience for medical students in a remote Aboriginal community.
BACKGROUND
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly those in remote communities, have lower access to health services when compared with the rest of the Australian population. This research examined the expectations and outcomes of medical students who went on a 2-day trip to a remote Aboriginal community.


METHODS
Activities were organised by community members, ground staff and fly-in fly-out health professionals. Students wrote about their expectations and post-trip reflections on personal, medical and cultural themes.


RESULTS
Twenty-three students participated in this study. Themes included complex, different and increased illnesses; how culture affects day-to-day life and health; personal growth; administrative, health delivery and advocacy skills; learning cultural awareness first-hand; and future career options.


CONCLUSIONS
The 2-day trip gave students a profound learning experience. To build a culturally appropriate and dedicated workforce for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, medical schools should consider incorporating short trips to remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities into their curriculum.
AM MBBS, DCH, FACPsychMed, MPH, is Director, Health in Human Diversity unit, Discipline of General Practice, university of Adelaide, Senior Medical Officer, Migrant Health Service, Adelaide and Medical Director, Kakarrara Wilurrara Health Alliance.
Jill
J
Benson
Courtney
C
Ryder
Madeleine
M
Gill
Anna
A
Balabanski
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D003469:Culture; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006303:Health Services, Indigenous; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013337:Students, Medical; D055815:Young Adult