On the Path to Becoming One of Australia’s Few Indigenous Surgeons

For Kieran, the road to becoming an Orthopaedic Surgeon has been anything but straightforward — but determination, passion, and the right support have made the journey possible.

A proud Wiradjuri man, Kieran moved from Dubbo to Newcastle with his wife to pursue a career in medicine. He completed the Yapug pathway program in 2018, which opened the door for him to join the Miroma Bunbilla Program — a pre-entry pathway into the Joint Medical Program. "I didn’t get the marks I needed at school," Kieran admits. "But completing the pathway programs offered at the University of Newcastle really set me up for studying medicine — they gave me a second chance."

After graduating with a Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine in 2023, that second chance has since led him to a position as a Resident Medical Officer at John Hunter Hospital, where he is gaining hands-on experience across various departments. His ultimate goal is to become an Orthopaedic Surgeon — a path he’s now pursuing through a Master of Traumatology.

Kieran has chosen to specialise in Orthopaedics to deepen his expertise and provide more effective trauma care. "I initially wanted to become a GP," he explains, "but once I started my rotations, I realised Orthopaedics was where my passion truly lies."

Since recently becoming a father, juggling work, study, and family life hasn’t been easy. "Managing work, family, and study is a big challenge," he says. "But being able to study online really helps."

Financial pressures can also make the path to becoming a qualified surgeon even harder. "There are less than 10 Indigenous surgeons in the country," he explains. "Many students are in the pipeline, but it’s a tough, expensive road — one that can turn people away."

That’s where the Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) has made a critical difference for Kieran. "Without CSP, I would’ve had to take a different route," he says. "It’s really streamlined my studies. Everything costs these days, and these exams and courses are essential to becoming a surgeon."

For Kieran, CSP is more than just financial support — it’s a bridge helping to close the gap and create more opportunities for Indigenous doctors and surgeons in Australia. "It allows students like me, who don’t have financial backers, to stay on track."

Being taught by the Director of one of Australia’s busiest trauma units has also been invaluable. “Professor Zsolt Balogh is incredible. You’re learning from one of the best in the field," Kieran says.

With dedication, resilience, and the right support, Kieran is well on his way to joining the small but growing number of Indigenous surgeons — and inspiring the next generation to follow in his footsteps.

Kieran Cubby

Kieran has chosen to specialise in Orthopaedics to deepen his expertise and provide more effective trauma care.

Completing the pathway programs offered at the University of Newcastle really set me up for studying medicine — they gave me a second chance.