On Monday night I arrived in Darwin, Northern Territory to commence three weeks of remote nursing in Indigenous communities at Timber Creek through the Remote Area Health Corps.
Experiences thus far have been challenging, culturally diverse and from a clinical perspective really interesting. Especially when I realised that many of the conditions that I will encounter are preventable and are often caused by third world conditions and social health and well being attitudes). During clinical training at Charles Darwin University and the Katherine West Health Board I have learnt about the prevalent conditions in the NT. Infectious diseases include: Syphilis, Tuberculous, Leprosy, Scabies and maternal and child health issues include: failure to Thrive, Diabetes, Trachoma (leading to blindness) Otitis Media (leading to hearing deficits).
Experiences thus far have been challenging, culturally diverse and from a clinical perspective really interesting. Especially when I realised that many of the conditions that I will encounter are preventable and are often caused by third world conditions and social health and well being attitudes). During clinical training at Charles Darwin University and the Katherine West Health Board I have learnt about the prevalent conditions in the NT. Infectious diseases include: Syphilis, Tuberculous, Leprosy, Scabies and maternal and child health issues include: failure to Thrive, Diabetes, Trachoma (leading to blindness) Otitis Media (leading to hearing deficits).
The problems here are three fold and compounded by challenging attitudes.
Another interesting aspect of this experience is learning of other clinicians motivation for being here. For many it seems to be a transient and financially lucrative endeavour.
Greater sensitivity and humility towards the needs of Indigenous people is required.
As for me... I keep thinking " I'm a long long way from Firenze". Even the red dust from the dry open plains in the Top End of Australia can not blow the cob weds from my mind. Despite the diversity and distractions, thoughts of Firenze and my PhD linger. In essence this 'diversion' is illustrating to me that even though I have the capacity to do anything, my destiny lies elsewhere. And I should embrace this.
Love to you
Jules
Katherine, Northern Territory
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