A unique and exciting opportunity exists for Kimberley and Pilbara residents to come and study medicine with the University of Notre Dame Australia in Broome.
Applications are now open for the post-graduate Doctor of Medicine program, which is delivered from the newly built Kimberley Centre for Remote Medical Training (KCRMT).
Notre Dame National School of Medicine Dean, Professor Rebecca Anglin, said 20 positions were available for Semester 1 in 2026, with priority given to those living in the Kimberley and Pilbara, as well as First Nations students.
“If you’re someone who’s always dreamed of serving their local community as a local doctor, then we really want to hear from you as soon as possible,” Professor Anglin said.
“To be eligible for the Kimberley/Pilbara pathway, you’ll need to have lived in the Kimberley or Pilbara region for a minimum of five years consecutively or 10 years in total and must have completed a three-year undergraduate degree, with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of five.
“If that sounds like you, applications are only open until the end of June,* so you will need to get in touch with us as quickly as you can.”
The KCRMT received $10 million in funding from the Australian Government in 2024 to help build new teaching and accommodation facilities on Notre Dame’s Broome campus. The first cohort of 20 students began their studies at the start of this year.
Fatima Weston, who is a First Nations woman from the Pilbara town of Newman, is part of that inaugural group.
Ms Weston, who initially trained as a teacher, said towns like Newman relied on visiting medical professionals who were usually on short-term contracts. While they were very good at their jobs, she said they did not stay around long enough to build cultural awareness, or strong relationships with their patients.
“I thought (by studying medicine) I could bridge that gap a bit better,” Ms Weston said.
“If you see someone (a doctor) who is First Nations and you are First Nations, it makes it so much easier because there are no language barriers or misunderstandings with cultures. We have such a need in the Pilbara, and I can’t wait to go back and be a consistent face in healthcare.”
Professor Anglin said reducing the reliance on visiting doctors in regional areas was one of the primary reasons the KCRMT was established.
“We know there is a significant shortage of health professionals in regional and remote areas, which is why we are targeting local people who will want to stay and work in their local community after they graduate for many years to come,” Professor Anglin said.
“The KCRMT also gives locals the chance to do all of their training on country, instead of having to move to the city to study, away from family and community connections.”
In addition to the priority pathways that are open to Kimberley, Pilbara and First Nations applicants, those with other rural backgrounds, or who are based in metropolitan areas, are also welcome to apply.
Applications open for all applicants today, Thursday 1 May, and close Friday 30 May for rural and metropolitan applicants and Monday 30 June for Kimberley, Pilbara and First Nations applicants.
To find out more about the eligibility criteria and application closing dates, or to lodge your application, visit the KCRMT web page.
*Please note applications close end of May for rural and metropolitan applicants
Media Contact: media@nd.edu.au