Indigenous students Kealey Griffiths and Rory Woods announced as recipients of the Dr Evelyn Scott Scholarship

Rhiannon Clarke Published April 19, 2023 at 2.20pm (AWST)

health

Kealey Griffiths, a medical student at the University of Queensland. Photo supplied.

Indigenous university students, Kealey Griffiths and Rory Woods, have been announced as recipients of the 2023 Dr Evelyn Scott Scholarship.

The Bupa Foundation scholarship was established in 2018 and helps provide support for First Nations future health professionals in honour of the legacy of Dr Scott, was a former resident of Bupa's Mt Sheridan aged care home and proud Indigenous leader.

Both Ms Griffiths and Mr Woods will receive $15,000 to help support their university studies and community work aimed at making a positive impact on health outcomes in First Nations communities.

Ms Gritths, a medical student at the University of Queensland, was recognised for her involvement in numerous First Nations health research papers.

"The scholarship will be a tremendous help that will go directly towards my studies allowing me to be a better student and eventually a more well-rounded clinician.

"I would put any remaining funds towards attending Indigenous and general health seminars and conferences," Ms Gritths said.

"In recent times, I've learned to be unapologetically and authentically myself and in doing so, I've been able to become a true champion of equality for the many communities I'm involved with."

Indigenous student Rory Woods attends University of Wollongong — Rory Wood a University of Wollongong students is the is the first male recipient of the Dr Evelyn Scholarship since the criteria was expanded.

Mr Wood, who is studying Exercise Science at the University of Wollongong, is the first male recipient of the Dr Evelyn Scholarship since the criteria was expanded.

He plans to undertake a Postgraduate Doctorate of Medicine, and also hopes to work with the Indigenous Board for the University of Wollongong to help make Indigenous students feel comfortable and culturally safe.

"I aim to be a voice for my community and walk alongside them as we drive for change," said Mr Wood

"On a personal level, I look forward to becoming the 1st generation in my family to complete a university degree.

"In the coming years, I hope to continue my study into a Postgraduate Doctor of Medicine degree and then specialise in Orthopaedic Surgery and become a Locum Tenens General Practitioner and Surgeon."

Roger Sharp, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer for Bupa APAC said, it was "a privilege to be able to honour Dr Scott's legacy by supporting talented students like Kealey and Rory".

"Helping students focus on their studies and realise their personal dreams and ambitions is a vital part of our objectives to advance opportunities for First Nations health leaders and practitioners," Mr Sharp said.

In addition to Ms Griffths and Mr Wood, there were four scholarship runners up who each received $5,000 in recognition of their high calibre applications and commitment to First Nations health outcomes:

• Rebecca Haynes, Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Advanced) with a major in Neuroscience: University of Adelaide

• Scout King, Bachelor of Pre-Medicine: University of Wollongong

• Jasmine Tan, Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences: University of Wollongong

• Elissa Simmonds, Bachelor of Psychology (Honours): Western Sydney University