Kahlie Lockyer has always been driven by a desire to make a difference. From her early days bandaging up mannequins at the local TAFE to studying medicine at the University of Western Australia, her path has been marked by dedication and passion. A proud Ngarluma, Kariyarra, Yawuru, and Nyulnyul woman from Port Hedland, Kahlie’s journey has been profoundly influenced by her roots and family. From Bandaging Mannequins to Medicine: Kahlie Lockyer’s Inspiring Journey
Growing up, Kahlie traveled to remote communities with her mother, a nurse who dedicated her life to teaching first aid and health courses to First Nations people. Her mother’s dedication and commitment to improving Indigenous health left a lasting impression on her.
“She really wanted to make a difference,” Ms. Lockyer shared with AAP. “Trying to help educate our people as well… I guess it was her way of doing her part to close the gap in Indigenous health.”
However, it was the birth of her second son, who was born with congenital complications, that truly propelled Kahlie into the world of medicine. The experience of being an Indigenous mother navigating the healthcare system, often encountering racism, ignited a new determination within her.
“I knew what it felt like being an Indigenous mother and not having an understanding of what was going on with my boy, and coming up against a lot of racism,” she said. “Some of the paediatricians we encountered were so amazing… I thought, we need more paediatricians that can provide the healthcare that our people need.”
Now in her third year of medical school, Kahlie is more motivated than ever. After receiving the AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship to aid her studies, she feels empowered and excited for what the future holds.
University life has not been without its challenges, but Kahlie has embraced her studies with enthusiasm, recognizing the critical importance of having more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the health sector.
“If an Indigenous person can get the care from someone who has the same understanding of how things are different for us and be a familiar face, it could give them more trust in the healthcare system,” she said.
Kahlie’s journey is already inspiring the next generation of First Nations health professionals, including her two eldest sons who are in high school and contemplating futures in medicine.
“They love science, especially human biology,” she said. “I just get a bit of that proud mum feeling thinking that I’m giving them something to look forward to for a career.”
Kahlie Lockyer’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of representation, and the profound impact one individual can have on their community. Her journey from bandaging mannequins to studying medicine is not just a personal triumph, but an inspiration to many, proving that dreams, no matter how ambitious, are within reach.
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Source: https://nit.com.au/17-06-2024/12013/aspiring-doctor-wants-more-familiar-faces-in-health
