Curtin University has marked a significant moment for Aboriginal health and education with the graduation of three Indigenous doctors.
Jaaron Davis, Daisy Alps and Arkayla McPhee have completed the five-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at Curtin Medical School, officially crossing the stage at a graduation ceremony on Curtin's Bentley Campus on February 3.
Each are set to begin their medical careers in Western Australia, bringing a strong focus on culturally safe care.
Their achievement comes at a time of growing demand for doctors across rural, regional and outer metropolitan areas.
Kalkadoon, Waanyi and Eastern Arrernte man Dr Jaaron Davis described his graduation as a deeply collective achievement grounded in culture, family and resilience.
"It stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring belief that education can create real change," Dr Davis said.
"For my family, this is not an individual success but a collective one, grounded in culture and community.
"It represents the realisation of dreams carried across generations and reflects the strength of my Filipino and Aboriginal heritage."
The 23-year-old will begin his medical career in Broome, drawing on his lived experience growing up in the Kimberley.
"I wanted to become a doctor because my life has been shaped by walking between different worlds and witnessing the stark inequities that exist between them," he said.
Quandamooka Ngugi woman Dr Daisy Alps said representation within the health system was a key motivator behind her decision to study medicine.
"There are still huge inequities within the healthcare system and part of that is having such a small number of healthcare staff being representative of the communities they're treating," Dr Alps said.
"My cultural understanding and knowledge can help create a safer space for Aboriginal patients in healthcare settings, and I want to be an advocate for patients."
Dr Alps plans to specialise in either children's or women's health.
Yamatji and Njamal woman Dr Arkayla McPhee said her long-term goal is to return to rural and remote communities as a generalist doctor.
"My plan is to gain a wide range of clinical skills and experiences in the city to build my clinical confidence, before returning to work in rural and remote settings," Dr McPhee said.
"As an Aboriginal doctor, I want to be part of meaningful change and contribute to Closing the Gap for our communities."
Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said the milestone reflected both individual excellence and broader systemic progress.
"Increasing the number of Aboriginal doctors is essential to closing the health gap, strengthening culturally informed healthcare and inspiring the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals," Professor Hayne said.
"The graduation of Arkayla, Daisy and Jaaron from Curtin Medical School is not only a personal triumph for each of them, but a significant moment for our healthcare system and the Curtin community looks forward to seeing what these remarkable graduates achieve as they embark on their medical careers."
The graduates were supported throughout their studies by Aboriginal alumni from Curtin Medical School, who offered mentoring and cultural guidance.
