Indigenous graduates committed to strengthening healthcare in northern Queensland

Dr Leah Moncrieff

Born and bred in Townsville, Dr Leah Moncrieff had dreams of becoming a doctor since she was in junior school. After completing placements in Mackay, Dr Moncrieff felt ready to spread her wings further and chose to intern in Cairns.

"I wasn’t ready to come back to Townsville just yet, so I chose Cairns to expand my experiences and explore new opportunities. My main interests are obstetrics, gynaecology, and sexual health, and I’m excited to continue building my career here. I want to stay regional."

Dr Moncrieff sees herself as a role model, especially to her younger sister, who is following in her footsteps as a first-year medical student. Her advice to aspiring doctors?

“Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Some people take a long time to start medicine or to get accepted. Time doesn’t matter; it’s all life experience that makes you a better doctor. Also, find the fun in it. Medicine is a long journey, but if you enjoy the process, it makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

MBBS Indigenous students at JCU graduation. 

Dr Bailey Anderson

Originally from Rockhampton, Dr Bailey Anderson grew up in Gracemere hearing about the importance of staying connected to community. For him, interning in Townsville felt like the perfect fit after spending most of his clinical years at Townsville University Hospital (TUH).

"The hospital has a great range of specialties, but it still feels like a regional hospital where even the consultants know your name. That sense of familiarity makes it a great place to start as a junior doctor, while still getting exposure to unique specialties."

With a passion for paediatrics, Dr Anderson’s dream is to specialise in remote medicine after having formative experiences in Mount Isa and Burketown.

“Working in communities with limited resources was rewarding for both the community and me. It’s where I feel I can make the biggest difference.”

Dr Isaac Lange

Hailing from Mackay, Dr Isaac Lange wasn’t always set on medicine. He made the leap after realising his potential in Year 12 and choosing JCU for its focus on tropical and rural health. Dr Lange’s experience in rural placements affirmed his passion for rural generalism and has started his internship at Cairns Base Hospital.

"I did six months of rural placements this year, which gave me so many opportunities to put into practice what I’ve learned. Cairns and the surrounding hospitals align perfectly with my career goals."

Dr Lange has also dedicated time to tutoring and mentoring younger students through JCU’s Indigenous Education and Research Centre (IERC).

“Helping others achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding. I want to show Indigenous students that healthcare is a field where they can thrive.”

Patrick de Waele at his graduation.

Dr Patrick de Waele

A proud Townsville local, Patrick de Waele’s journey to becoming a doctor has been anything but ordinary. After taking two years off from his studies, he returned to medical school, met his wife, had a daughter, and persevered through the final years of his degree.

"It’s been a long road, but reaching this point feels fantastic. The Sashing Ceremony reminded me how much JCU values and supports its Indigenous graduates. It’s an important reminder that we have so much to offer."

Dr de Waele chose to intern at TUH, and his future plans include pursuing rural generalism while continuing to contribute to the growth of healthcare in his hometown.

“JCU has shaped me to follow a path that focuses on rural and tropical health, and I’m excited to keep walking it.”

Jessica Storrar outside Mossman Hospital 

Dr Jessica Storrar

For Jessica Storrar, the journey through medical school has been a steep but rewarding climb. Her Independent Research Placement (IRP) in Mossman was a defining moment where she transitioned from student to doctor.

"At first, I second-guessed my diagnoses and doubted my skills, but the support from hospital staff helped me gain confidence. By the end of my six-month placement, I was developing management plans and performing procedures I never imagined I could."

Now interning at TUH, Dr Storrar is eager to put her knowledge and skills into practice and make a meaningful difference in her patients’ lives.

Building the Future of Regional Healthcare

These graduates represent a new wave of doctors committed to serving their communities and improving healthcare outcomes in northern Queensland. Their journeys reflect resilience, passion, and a deep connection to the places they call home.

“If you want to grow, say yes to opportunities and embrace the unknown,” Dr Anderson says.

Regional placements push you to grow as both a doctor and a person and you won’t regret it.”

JCU’s focus on rural, remote, and Indigenous health continues to shape doctors who not only excel in their profession but also give back to the communities that inspire them.

These five inspiring doctors are proof that the future of healthcare in northern Queensland is in capable, compassionate hands.