Dr Mangatjay McGregor

Twenty-six-year-old Flinders University graduate, Dr Mangatjay McGregor (BClinSc/MD ’18) is believed to be the very first Yolngu medical doctor.

Mangatjay McGregor grew up on Milingimbi Island, a remote Aboriginal community in North East Arnhem Land, at the very top of the Northern Territory. Even as a small child he had an immense empathy for others who were in pain.

‘I took great interest in listening to the concerns of friends and family,’ says Dr McGregor. ‘I find helping people through their hardships to be a very rewarding experience and I decided that I would pursue a career in medicine where I could put this passion to good use.’  

In 2011 Dr McGregor moved to Adelaide to study medicine at Flinders University.

‘Moving so far away from home was a challenging and life-changing experience. I was uprooted from my usual support network and forced outside of my comfort zone,’ says Dr McGregor. ‘Because of this, and through my time at Flinders, I developed a lot of strength and resilience. I also established some deep friendships that continue to this day.’

During his studies, Dr McGregor received the donor-funded Professor Michael Kidd AM Scholarship and Poche Centre for Indigenous Health Fund Scholarship. While the scholarships allowed Dr McGregor to purchase essential textbooks and study resources, they also enabled him to broaden his clinical experience through unique and life-changing clinical placements.

Dr Mangatjay McGregor wears Yolngu adornments over his graduation robes at his Flinders University graduation in December 2018.