I've been teaching medical students at the University of New South Wales clinical skills this year. Its helped lift us off the bread line and been thoroughly enjoyable to boot. The first and second years seem so young, but all very impressive. I've had to get my textbooks out and re-educate myself on how to do things properly, but it's been worth it.
Earlier in the year there was a flurry of last minute emails announcing that a film crew from the 7:30 report (news and current affairs programme) would be attending a tutorial to film an aboriginal student with a special scholarship. I was a bit stressed my limited wardrobe would let me down, and that I might look a bit of a prat, but took a deep breath. Then afterwards nothing. Not a sausage, they must have been waiting for a quiet news day, but finally it was on air, and phew, no complete humiliation. It looked like me, sounded like me, and (almost) looked competent.
It was clearly not really about me, but the plight of the indigenous population and the huge gap between their health and that of the general population. With an average life expectancy of 60 for men and 65 for women, and shocking infant mortality.
Apparently there are only 140 indigenous doctors in Australia, but fortunately more coming through the medical schools now. The student filmed has admirable dreams of going home and helping lift her community out of the neglect and ignorance it has faced over the years. I hope she manages to hold onto her beliefs and make it happen.
For those of you with time have a look at the link:
http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2010/s3019291.htm
I appear at about 4 minutes 30 seconds.
What shall I do with the other 14 minutes?
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