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Inspiring the Next Generation: Vanguard Health's First Nations Student Mentoring Program went to Gove for a week long clinic.
Supporting future Indigenous healthcare professionals through hands-on clinical experience, community connection and specialist mentorship.
In October 2026, fifth-year James Cook University medical student Jennifer Gulson joined the IRIS team at Gove Hospital for a week-long Ophthalmology Surgical Intensive, gaining first-hand experience in delivering specialist eye care to remote First Nations communities.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The mentoring program aims to provide First Nations medical students and junior doctors with practical clinical experience, professional guidance and exposure to ophthalmology services in regional and remote Australia.
Throughout the intensive, Jennifer worked alongside a multidisciplinary team of ophthalmologists, nurses, optometrists, orthoptists and other healthcare professionals, participating in the full patient care journey.
During the week, the team delivered:
- 38 cataract surgeries
- 30 face-to-face patient consultations
- Pre-operative assessments and post-operative patient reviews
- Practical patient education and community engagement activities
Jennifer observed surgical procedures, assisted with patient assessments and supported patients with post-operative care instructions, developing valuable clinical and communication skills.
Connecting with Community
Beyond the hospital, Jennifer joined members of the IRIS team and The Fred Hollows Foundation for a visit to Dhupuma Baker School.
During the visit, she helped educate local students about eye health, hygiene and the importance of regular eye checks.
The experience also included opportunities to connect with local Elders, participate in a smoking ceremony and learn about traditional food gathering and preparation.
These experiences highlighted the importance of culturally informed healthcare and building meaningful relationships with the communities receiving care.
Building the Future First Nations Healthcare Workforce
A key objective of the mentoring program is to encourage more First Nations medical students and junior doctors to consider careers in ophthalmology and rural and remote healthcare.
For Jennifer, the experience reinforced her professional aspirations.
"This has strengthened my goal to work in eye healthand to work in rural community."
Jennifer also reflected on the value of following patients through their entire treatment journey, from initial assessments to surgery and recovery.
Her involvement demonstrated the importance of providing emerging clinicians with practical opportunities to understand the unique challenges and rewards of delivering healthcare in remote communities.
Better Healthcare Together
The mentoring opportunity was made possible through funding from The Fred Hollows Foundation, supporting Jennifer's travel, accommodation, clinical placement and participation costs.
Through partnerships like this, Vanguard Health is helping create pathways for First Nations healthcare professionals while continuing to deliver specialist services closer to home.
Following the success of Jennifer's experience, the IRIS team is preparing to welcome another medical student, Brodie Seymour, to a planned surgical intensive in Katherine in November.
Vanguard Health thanks The Fred Hollows Foundation, the IRIS clinical team, local healthcare professionals and the Gove community for their support in making this experience possible.
Together, we are supporting the next generation of First Nations healthcare professionals and working towards better access to specialist healthcare for remote Australian communities.