Attending a national workshop turned out to be more than just training for one northern Queensland trainee general practitioner.
It also served a powerful reminder.
Dr Lucinda Colbert, from Clements Medical on Magnetic Island, said connecting with so many people at the workshop had allowed her to see that she’s not alone.
“I was reminded that none of us are alone on our training pathway, or in life, and although we all have our own journeys – we are in this together,” Dr Colbert said.
“I didn’t quite realise at the time just how much I needed this reminder.”
Dr Colbert was among eight northern Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainee doctors who gathered on Larrakia country recently for the Indigenous General Practice Trainee Network (IGPTN) national workshop in Darwin.
“The workshop was a wonderful opportunity to build new relationships with supervisors and peers, and for cultural connection on Larrakia country,” she said.
“The connections you make at workshops like this can last a lifetime and I feel so grateful to have been given the opportunity to attend.”
A proud Gunggari woman, Dr Colbert is an ACRRM GP registrar (postgraduate third year).
“I completed my internship at Hervey Bay and Maryborough Hospitals, my Resident year at Townsville Hospital, and now my GP year on Magnetic Island,” she said.
“I live in Townsville and work on Magnetic Island. I love the island vibe and really getting to know the people in the local community through their health journeys.
“I’ve found the community to be friendly and welcoming, and I’ve built some wonderful connections with colleagues and patients.
“Although Magnetic Island has a small population there is a consistent stream of tourists and visitors we care for as well, which really allows you to see a range of different people and health presentations.”
I've already been able to implement these new skills to improve my day-to-day practice and care of my patients.
Dr Colbert said she was learning something new every day.
“I work in the GP clinic most days and the Magnetic Island Emergency Health Service one day a week, which allows me to learn in a mix of environments and continue developing my skills,” she said.
“This year, I’ve been supported to grow my clinical skills and have had the opportunity to team lead emergency and resuscitation presentations to further enhance my clinical competence.”
Aside from on-the-job training, Dr Colbert is also implementing the new skills she learned from the IGPTN workshop.
“The workshop had a jam-packed schedule that provided an intensive learning opportunity covering a wide range of rural generalist curriculum,” she said.
“I’ve already been able to implement these new skills to improve my day-to-day practice and care of my patients.
“I also gained valuable insight into learning areas I need to focus more on throughout the next phase of my training.
“The support of the supervisors and the opportunity to learn in a safe space where everyone is encouraged to just give it their best go was truly incredible.”
The attendee package, funded by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), enabled seven local general practice and rural generalist (RG) trainees, and one Fellow from across northern Queensland to travel to the IGPTN national workshop.
These biannual workshops provide a dedicated space for regional First Nations doctors to build professional networks, study together, and access essential peer support throughout their intensive medical training journeys.
IGPTN Chair Dr Josie Guyer highlighted the profound impact of the collaboration on building long-term workforce capacity in northern Queensland.
“NQPHN’s generous support has contributed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GP and RG Registrars accessing a culturally safe environment to learn, connect, and strengthen their professional network,” she said.
“These workshops play a vital role in supporting trainees throughout their training journey and in building a strong, sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical workforce.
“We greatly value our partnership with NQPHN and their commitment to supporting the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors.”
Why I became a doctor
Name: Dr Lucinda Colbert
Occupation: GP Registrar (postgraduate third year)
Place of work: Clements Medical on Magnet Island
What made you want to become a doctor? Read on!
I was introduced to the world of medicine through my grandfather who battled asbestosis and related disease throughout my childhood before passing away when I was 13.
I spent a lot of time with him and my Nanna, which included time in the hospital, attending appointments, and helping to care for him at home.
He was my idol and always supported me.
Even now, I often consider things through his perspective, wonder how he’d solve problems, think about what he’d say to me if he was here. He was the one of the strongest people I’ve known.
It was joining him on his journey through the health system, getting to know his specialists, and the countless nurses who provided him exceptional care – and watching my Nanna learn everything she could to allow him to stay living at home right until the end – that drew me towards medicine.
At the time I didn’t understand the hierarchy, the specialties, or even the medicine pathway at all, but I knew I wanted to make the difference for people that my grandfather’s doctors made for him.
I wanted to be there for someone when they needed it most.