Dr Ellen Engelke, a Curtin Medical School graduate, and her mother Dr Catherine Engelke, a Curtin School of Nursing alumna and Senior Medical Officer in Kununurra, are contributing to better health outcomes in rural and Indigenous communities.

The Gija women have pursued careers in medicine that reflect their commitment to community and country.

Dr Ellen Engelke was supported during her studies by the Australian Rotary Health Indigenous Scholarship, which allowed her to focus on her goals and influenced her desire to give back.

For her, medicine is driven by a sense of purpose shaped by family and community.

"Mum studied while I was young, and I remember watching her practice clinical exams on me," she said.

"She never pressured me to follow in her footsteps, but seeing her journey made me believe that if she could do it, so could I."

Dr Catherine Engelke began her career in nursing, completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nursing (Midwifery) at Curtin in 1996 before becoming a doctor.

"I wanted them to know they could achieve anything they set their minds to," she said.

Ellen said her time at Curtin was both challenging and rewarding, and the support of staff and peers helped her succeed.

"Some of my best memories - and some of my toughest - were from medical school," she said.

"But the support from staff, peers, and the wider Curtin community made all the difference."

She also credited the scholarship for easing financial pressures and motivating her to achieve her goals.

"The Rotary community genuinely cared about my journey," she said.

"Their support gave me even more motivation to succeed and give back."

Now starting her career, she is focused on improving rural and Indigenous health, particularly in communities like Kalgoorlie.

"I want to be a doctor that people can rely on - that's what matters to me," she said.

Catherine said Curtin's problem-based learning approach helps prepare students with real-world skills.

"PBL challenges students early on, but it helps them develop an inquiring mindset and clinical reasoning skills that serve them throughout their careers," she said.

Ellen said giving back was a value taught to her from a young age.

"A group of strangers believed in me and supported me. That inspires me to do the same for others," she said.

She encouraged future students to take opportunities and remain true to themselves.

"Be yourself, apply for every opportunity, and when you receive support, make sure to give back," she said.

Catherine said she is proud of the path her daughter has taken.

"She's going to be an incredible doctor," she said.

"She has the heart, the determination, and the humility to truly make a difference."