The Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) in partnership with James Cook University (JCU) will deliver a two-day Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Masterclass commencing in Cairns tomorrow.
The masterclass aims to enhance the ability of JCU GP registrars to provide effective, culturally appropriate health care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients in Queensland.
JCU Associate Professor, General Practice and Rural Medicine; and QAIHC Consultant Public Health Physician Sophia Couzos, said the university had received requests from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Services to help improve the skills base of doctors working within their communities.
Mr Neil Willmett, Chief Executive Officer of QAIHC said the masterclass will include representatives from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Health Workers Association, Aboriginal health workers/practitioners, QAIHC project officers, doctors working in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled health sector, a remote-area pharmacist, as well as JCU GP medical educators.
“QAIHC is excited to partner with JCU to provide this essential training to doctors who may have limited experience in communicating effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients or working within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service’s model of care.
“In order to close the gap our doctors need to know how to communicate with First Nations people and understand cultural protocols.
“This is a good step forward towards healing our communities,” said Mr Willmett.
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