A Curtin University unit that educates students on the culture and diversity of Indigenous Australians to improve health outcomes, has won an Office of Learning and Teaching Australian Award for University Teaching.
The Indigenous Cultures and Health unit, won the Educational Partnerships and Collaborations with other Organisations category at the Awards, which were presented by The Hon Christopher Pyne MP, Minister for Education in Canberra last night.
As part of the unit, students analyse health outcomes of Indigenous Australians, explore underlying social determinants and examine how health professionals can work collaboratively and in consultation with Indigenous individuals, families, communities and organisations.
Curtin’s Centre for Aboriginal Studies Director Professor Marion Kickett said the unit makes a unique and important contribution to student learning, through its strong, respectful, reciprocity-based partnerships.
“Coordinators of the unit work in partnership with local and national Aboriginal organisations and community members, to ensure students are aware of the need for cultural awareness when working as health professionals,” Professor Kickett said.
“With approximately 3,300 health sciences students completing the unit in 2014, we’re delighted that the unit is being acknowledged for its innovative structure and industry links.”
The Indigenous Cultures and Health unit is now part of an interprofessional first year in all 22 health degrees at Curtin.
For more information on Health Sciences at Curtin, visit http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au.
