Doctors and Medical Professionals

Monday, 8 June 2026, 7:35 am

Abdul, Tatum, Ieesha, and Jamaal encourage Indigenous Australians to become doctors.

Ieesha Nasser wanted to be a doctor since she was young.

She learned clinical terms with her mother, who was studying medicine.

Ieesha's mother would memorize parts of the skull, and Ieesha would memorize with her.

Now, Ieesha is starting her medical journey at 18.

She has begun a five-year medical degree at Western Sydney University.

Ieesha Nasser has always dreamed of being a doctor like her mother.

Last year, her two older brothers graduated with medical degrees from the same university.

Jamaal, 22, said it was amazing to have his brother Abdul's support during their studies.

Jamaal had tough times, but he found motivation to push through.

Watching his grandmother suffer from an aneurysm motivated Jamaal to make a change.

Jamaal wishes his grandmother had an Indigenous doctor to turn to for help.

Jamaal and Abdul Nasser supported each other during medical studies.

Jamaal hopes to specialize in surgery, noticing a gap in Indigenous surgeons.

Importance of Indigenous doctors

There were 969 medical practitioners who identified as First Nations as of December 31, 2025.

At least 386 were in New South Wales.

The number of Indigenous medical practitioners is far from population parity.

As of December, 969 medical practitioners in Australia identified as First Nations.

The low number of Indigenous doctors motivated 24-year-old Abdul.

All three siblings follow in their mother Tatum Maybir's footsteps.

Tatum Maybir entered medicine after raising her six children.

She worked in the public hospital system before entering general practice training.

Tatum focuses on providing holistic health care, considering social circumstances.

She thrives in an environment where she can help multiple family members.

Tatum Maybir decided to enter medicine after raising her children.

She grew up witnessing family members experience difficult health situations.

Not having support during those times inspired Tatum to become a doctor.

Indigenous doctors and clinicians are crucial for the community.

Following in mother's footsteps

Jamaal said his mother was a huge inspiration to all his siblings.

He hopes to live up to her example one day.

Tatum Maybir worked in the public hospital system before general practice training.

The family credits the Badanami Centre for their success.

Wiradjuri woman Kylie Bell works with students at the centre's Campbelltown campus.

The centre is a home away from home for the students.

Kylie Bell loves watching the students' journeys, including Tatum and her children.

She thinks it's crucial to provide more higher education opportunities to Indigenous people.

Kylie Bell works with students at the Badanami Centre's Campbelltown campus.

Ieesha hopes to enter surgery, but first, she wants to contribute to her community.

She wants to work in Indigenous clinics and give back to her community.

Dr. Maybir is proud to see her kids want to give back to their community.

Seeing her kids in the medical field, belonging and believing in themselves, is empowering.

Monday, 8 June 2026, 7:35 am

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