Working within the University of Newcastle, “Thurru” Indigenous Health Unit, as a Lecturer, John is involved with the Indigenous Curriculum development, implementation, and revision within the JMP-MD Program, as well as Indigenous Medical Student Recruitment, and Teaching Indigenous Health content within other Schools.

Realising he wanted to study at university, but never knowing how to do that, John experienced significant educational challenges after leaving school at 15 years old but found his way to study after a life-changing experience.

“I had many jobs after I left school, mostly labouring with my father in shearing sheds and truck driving, although I have always read a lot and felt that at some point, I wanted to further my education, although I did not have any experience in the university setting.

I had a change in my circumstances prior to enrolling in university, due to the passing of my wife, and decided it was time to take that decision and change my direction in life,” he said.

Wanting to study a program that would challenge him, John found the Indigenous medical student pathway (now known as the Miroma Bunbilla Indigenous Student Pathway to Medicine) in an article and took on the challenge.

“I wanted to be challenged by a Program of study that would satisfy my personal need to step outside of my comfort zone, and at the same time provide me with opportunities to work in a field of need, being Indigenous healthcare,” he said.

Completing placements throughout his program, by third year John was able to study full-time within a clinical setting ensuring he was a work ready graduate.

“As most of our clinical training is conducted in the hospital setting, students have access to the same equipment and clinics as other health care workers, learning within that clinical setting is paramount to having a work ready graduate,” he said.

After completing his hospital Internship, John obtained a role within the University of Newcastle to encourage other students with an Indigenous focus in the medical field and improve the understanding of key issues.

“I believe the University of Newcastle is mostly supportive of study with an Indigenous focus, although there are times when there is a lack of understanding of any Indigenous issues that might be relevant to the area of study,” he said.

Reflecting on his study experience, John recalls the pride of bringing his son on campus to show him around his study space and office and having his mother attend his graduation.

“The most inspiring moments for me were bringing my son Sam up to the University campus when he was in high school and knowing that he was proud of my efforts to complete my studies,

“Also having my mother attend my medical graduation ceremony, she has always supported my efforts in study and in life, even though at times I am sure she was quite anxious that those efforts were not in the right direction. Unfortunately, my father passed away in 2001 and he did not get to see me graduate.” he said.

John encourages anyone wanting to study to apply and not be afraid of change.

“If you find that the course or area of study you commence is not suited to you, do not be afraid to change direction and make decisions that are right for you.

Try not to let your study become a chore that you feel needs to be completed each day, try to approach each day of your study as a choice that you are making to improve your work and life opportunities in the future,” he said

Find out more about the Joint Medical Program 

Find out more about the Miroma Bunbilla Program

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John Towney

Dr John Towney had a late start to study but has overcome many barriers and completed his Bachelor of Medicine in 2016 and has continued his study in a postgraduate program, completing his Master of Public Health in 2022.

I wanted to be challenged by a Program of study that would satisfy my personal need to step outside of my comfort zone, and at the same time provide me with opportunities to work in a field of need, being Indigenous healthcare