ARH Indigenous Heath Scholarship - Ryan DiPietro

Australian Rotary Health Indigenous Heath Scholarship – Ryan DiPietro

Ryan DiPietro is a proud Trawlwoolway Palawa man from North East Lutruwitra (Tasmania). Ryan grew up on Wurundjuri Marin-Balluk country in the northern western suburbs of Narrm (Melbourne). He is a fourth-year student at Monash University studying for BA of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine.

The Scholarship is worth $2500 per semester each year and supports between 70 and 80 students around Australia each year. Applicants must have completed the first year of their degree before applying for the scholarship.

Ryan DiPietro is sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Pascoe Vale, Moreland, Coburg, Strathmore and Preston. Each club contributes $1000 each year.

Ryan presented at a combined meeting of the Rotary Club of Pascoe Vale on 7 May 2025:

‘How will I contribute to improving Indigenous Health.
As a future aboriginal Medical Practitioner, I am able to contribute to improving Indigenous Health by lessening the effect of barriers indigenous people face in receiving and accessing healthcare. One such barrier is the fear of discrimination in health care stings due to the individual’s past experience at a community level. The ability to access healthcare from an indigenous medical practitioner (such as myself) would promote a culturally safe environment where indigenous patients are more able to build a strong relationship built on trust Patients receive the best outcomes when care is centred around their individual desires, beliefs and needs.
I believe I can integrate my personal lived experience as an indigenous person to provide indigenous patients the culturally safe and tailored care which is integral to positive health outcomes.
Despite my future in healthcare, I believe my greatest contribution to improving Indigenous Health will not take place in the health care setting. As an active and passionate member within my local aboriginal community who is regularly engaged in community events/men’s business, I have the potential to be the first port of care for my community in an environment that to many, including myself, is the place they feel the most culturally safe.
I dream of one day serving my immediate community by using my medical training to establish a health service within men’s business and broader community gatherings When I speak to community members about my studies, they are always excited and enthusiastic about my future as an aboriginal l man who will also be a medical practitioner. It is this enthusiasm that motivates me and highlights the of indigenous doctors and the potential to directly contribute to improving indigenous health.
– Ryan DiPietro