Dr. Ngaree Blow – Understand your role as an Ally
Can physiotherapy help drive systemic change in healthcare? What does an ideal healthcare system look like from a First Nations perspective? What is an ally’s role in achieving that?
In episode 3 Cameron is joined by Dr. Ngaree Blow, who is the Director of the Wurru Wurru Health Unit (First Nations Health) for medical education at the University of Melbourne and a public health physician. Ngaree shares her story of becoming a doctor and together they discuss physiotherapy's role in public health, changing healthcare systems and the importance of an ally knowing their role within a team.
Warning
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are warned that the following episode may contain the names and voices of people who are deceased.
GET TO KNOW OUR INTERVIEWEE
A bit about Dr Ngaree Blow
MD/MPH, DCH, BSc Director, Wurru Wurru Health Unit
I’m a Quandamooka (Noonuccal Nation), Goreng-Goreng and Yorta-Yorta woman and a Public Health Physician. I work as the Director of the Wurru Wurru Health Unit (First Nations Health) for medical education at the University of Melbourne as well as dedicating part of my time to consulting on public health projects. I have worked in various medical and public health roles, including as lead medical officer for the COVID-19 outbreak response in 2020-21 and in the COVID-19 Vaccination program in 2022 with the Department of Health, Victoria. Also, I established the first all First Nations led and run music/ health festivals – ‘It’s a Mob Thing’ across Victoria in 2022.
Country (from): Quandamooka (Noonuccal Nation), Goreng-Goreng and Yorta-Yorta
Country (currently living): Meanjin (Brisbane)
We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the many lands across Australia and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. We recognise their enduring connection to the lands and waterways of this country and thank them for protecting and maintaining this country for us and future generations.