(00:21) Dr Singleton and Dr Stoupas set the scene for their discussion highlighting NAIDOC week.
Introduction of Professor Peter O’Mara
(001:40) Professor O’Mara begins with an Acknowledgement of Country, then tells the story of him becoming a doctor.
(06:09) Professor O’Mara responds to Dr Stoupas questions regarding best practice when it comes to raising potentially awkward topics with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. He suggests that the best way to do it is from a respectful viewpoint. Even if it’s the wrong question, but asked in a respectful way, he thinks people will respond without issue.
(08:06) Professor O’Mara continues to offer suggestions on how best to be respectful of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture when asking patients questions. Particularly regarding where someone is from, if their families are still around or where they might have been born.
(10:53) Dr Singleton asks Professor O’Mara about the topic of being a truly multicultural society and how far we are along that journey.
(11:16) Professor O’Mara feels that he’s probably never known a time where there are so many non-Indigenous Australian people walking alongside and in support of equity, which makes him feel positive. Of course there is a distance to go – but we are going in the right direction.
(12:07) Professor O’Mara talks about his role as a mentor and how many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors are coming through the ranks. He feels that mentoring is very important because many of his mob often have imposter syndrome and don’t really feel like they belong in medical school, or a specialty college.
(13:54) Professor O’Mara discusses the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA) and his pride in being involved.
(16:25) Professor O’Mara responds to Dr Singleton’s questions about the 2020 Closing the Gap report and how his views on the best way to remedy the inequity have changed over the years.
(18:04) Professor O’Mara explains his views on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and the work he is involved in, which looks to prevent incarceration of this population. He shares an anecdote which describes the way his culture used to teach its youth the laws of society, specifically those surrounding respect for women. It is instilled in the young men by women with a unique approach to education.
(20:35) Professor O’Mara wraps up with the point that when our education system can create doctors who are good at dealing with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, they by default, will be intrinsically and equally skilled at dealing with the population in general. He goes on to tell a story, that illustrates this point from his experience, which moves Dr Singleton to tears.
(23:48) Dr Stoupas and Dr Singleton wrap up and outline some of the resources that are available on the subject of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.