Professor Michael Kidd AM Scholarship

Wuthathi and Torres Strait Islander woman Sarita Richards is in her second year of a medical degree in Flinders University’s Northern Territory Medical Program.

In 2018 and 2020 Sarita received the Professor Michael Kidd AM Scholarship to reduce the financial burdens of studying and to create a study-family balance.

With three young children and an intense study workload, Sarita faces major challenges to achieving her dream of becoming a doctor and improving health practices for Indigenous Australians.

‘I am a very practical and visual learner so I find learning much easier with face-to-face and hands-on content delivery,’ says Sarita. ‘But obviously with COVID-19 restrictions this style of teaching has been reduced this semester and it has been a steep learning curve in terms of making adjustments to my family life and study techniques.’

‘Thankfully, with the help of family, friends, tutors, colleagues and mentors, as well as being able to access additional resources through the University, including the Professor Michael Kidd Scholarship, I have been successful this semester in terms of my new approach to study.

‘Receiving the scholarships takes financial pressures off around ensuring that I have the resources, both at home and for my studies, to work towards completing my medical degree.

‘I am deeply grateful for this scholarship. To Professor Michael Kidd, I offer my sincere thanks for your ongoing support in helping me become a doctor.’

Donate to the Professor Michael Kidd AM Scholarship today and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to become health professionals.

100% of your tax-deductible donation will support Indigenous students studying health professions at Flinders University.

^{Published 2020. Author: Lynda Allen}

Flinders University medical student Sarita Richards with her children.