Spending a day in the life of a health professional will be part of an exciting week at The University of Queensland for 16 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The recently opened UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health is supporting UQ’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (ATSIS) Unit as it hosts the camp from 28 June to 3 July.
The Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences and Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences are also behind the concept.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Education) Professor Cindy Shannon said Year 11 and 12 participants from across the state had a valuable opportunity to experience on-campus life.
“The week provides practical insights into health and medical sciences and the many opportunities for study and careers in the industry,” Professor Shannon said.
“The students stay in a residential college on the UQ St Lucia campus while enjoying the program of hands-on workshops, cultural activities, information sessions and industry site visits developed by UQ’s experienced ATSIS Unit staff and health academics.
“Inspiration and mentorship are provided by young health and medical sciences students and graduates.”
Highlights of the program include tours and workshops within the University’s state-of-the-art Oral Health Centre and Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (PACE) buildings.
There is also opportunity for the students to visit the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, UQ’s partner in the UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, and see their Work it Out and other community-based health programs in action.
“It is an amazing opportunity for students to explore their passion for health sciences and tertiary study in a supportive environment,” Professor Shannon said.
“Our experience in running the InspireU program since 2013 has shown that students will walk away with a more in-depth knowledge of the health sciences and the variety of disciplines available.
“It also provides students with the confidence to continue on to further study in a university setting.”
InspireU Health is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training’s Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Programme and the UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health.
Media: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit Outreach and Engagement Team Leader Amanda Baker, 0407 597 861, a.baker5@uq.edu.au.
