University student Nate Douglas-Denduck has had the chance to apply both his allied health and research skills at Hervey Bay Hospital after receiving a Queensland Health First Nations Cadetship.
The program offers real life work experience to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students completing an undergraduate health degree, with the goal of strengthening our First Nations health workforce.
At Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service there are 154 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees which is almost 3% of the total workforce.
Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Paul Weir said while this reflects important progress, it also highlights the opportunity ahead.
“Our goal is clear – to achieve equity in employment that reflects our community, with an aspirational target of 5% retention and progression," he said.
“By growing and strengthening our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health workforce, we are not only building representation but enriching our service with cultural knowledge, connection and care that benefits all.”
Currently in his third year of a Clinical Exercise Physiology degree at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Nate is being mentored by members of the Allied Health team while working with patients who have experienced cardiac failure and require cardiac rehabilitation through exercise and lifestyle improvements.
“It is good that I’m able to use what I’ve been learning in my degree course,” Nate said.
“I haven’t had my fourth-year university placement yet so doing this kind of work helps me to have an idea of what it will look like.”
A proud South Sea Islander, Kuku Yalanji and Gurang Gurang man, Nate believes being born and raised in Hervey Bay is an advantage.
“In the wards people in my community see me and know they have someone in there to help them out,” Nate said.
Nate’s choice of career in health means he will be joining other members of his family who work in healthcare.
“I have always wanted to get into healthcare like my family,” he said.
“They have always been around health, so I’ve had an aspiration to go that way as well.”
During his cadetship Nate is also gaining experience in the field of research working with Dr Angela Ratsch on a WBHHS Indigenous health research project.
In partnership with Galangoor Duwalami Primary Healthcare Service on the Fraser Coast, the project maps health outcomes of Indigenous babies alongside their exposure to nicotine and tobacco during pregnancy.
“The research side is very different to what I’ve been doing previously,” Nate said.
“There’s a lot more paperwork and a lot more brain work but it’s good.
“I’m keen to have a go at research because I feel there aren’t many Indigenous people doing it, so being able to throw my hat in the ring is very cool.”
The cadetship experience is something Nate is thrilled to be involved with.
“I feel very privileged to be here and being able to represent the male Indigenous population,” he said.
“The cadetship has provided learning and mentorship and it’s good to let people know there are opportunities to do this.
“Knowing how these guys here are helping me and others, I want to be a role model for other First Nations people thinking of joining the health sector.”