Dr Chapman-Burgess, 24, is a member of Australia’s first set of Indigenous quintuplets and proudly wore an Aboriginal stole over her academic gown at the Faculty of Health and Medicine ceremony on Thursday.
Of the 113 medical students who graduated, six were Aboriginal. UON has produced half of the country’s Indigenous doctors.
“I’d never met an Aboriginal doctor before coming to Newcastle and believe I’m the first Indigenous doctor from [my hometown] Glen Innes,” she said. “I’m extremely passionate about Aboriginal health and would love to be a specialist in women’s health, obstetrics and gynaecology, and work in rural and remote communities. It’s a privilege and honour to work with Aboriginal people and I definitely have a different connection with Aboriginal patients. As soon as they’re aware I’m Aboriginal, the whole process changes. That’s why we need more Aboriginal doctors, to close the gap in health and life expectancy.”
Dr Chapman-Burgess was considering a career as a veterinarian before she stumbled upon an episode of television show Grey’s Anatomy when she was in year seven.
The “quiet achiever” studied for one year, took a year off to do casual work and then returned to the degree.
Nigel Seberry estimates he has spent $30,000 on equipment, design work and fees. The sum does not include a $14,000 bond he hopes to recoup now the project appears to have gone belly-up.
The site in question is 40e Point Street. Though the building is zoned for residential use, it has housed businesses in the past.
Mr Seberry who quit his job at Sydney Opera House to pursue the plans, says be was led to believe his application could succeed.
