From TPP to GP

Dr Anne-Maree Nielsen was a young mum when her own mother was studying at USQ in 2000. When her mother would return home from classes at night, Anne-Maree found herself reading the textbooks and coursework, but hadn’t considered that University could be a reality for her at that time.

Anne-Maree’s interest in nursing from a young age coupled with her drive to assist in improving health outcomes for the Indigenous community led to her commitment to forge a hard-earned career in medicine, now working as a resident doctor at Toowoomba Hospital in the Paediatric Ward.

“My mother was studying Psychology at USQ and always spoke so highly of the learning environment, of the academics and fellow students, and also of the Indigenous education units which supported her, so that just gave me the idea that I wanted to at least try Uni as well,” she said.

“As soon as I voiced my interest, she had me there the next day enrolling.”

Anne-Maree completed the Tertiary Preparation Program, and went on to complete a Bachelor of Nursing in 2004, Master of Mental Health Nursing in 2008, and her Master of Nursing Honours in 2010.

Anne-Maree began studying her Doctor of Philosophy with USQ before receiving support and motivation from peers, family, and University academics to go in a different direction to become a medical doctor.

“My family and my children are my greatest motivators in life. Without them I don’t know if I would have done what I’ve done. But I’ve also always had a passion for Indigenous health, I’d always wanted to be a nurse and I achieved that. As an Indigenous nurse I had the grace to meet an Indigenous doctor who showed me the pathway to medicine and showed me that there is a career as a GP in Indigenous health and for Indigenous doctors, and I think that drove me some more.”

“At the time when I was doing my Masters, the environment itself was so supportive and nurturing. The academics within mental health gave me the idea and the pathway into further learning and mental health so I grabbed onto that because it was of real interest to me.”

“I start my GP training next year with a focus on Indigenous health, primary and preventative health care, so I’m very excited about that”

Anne-Maree said by taking her first tentative steps into academia with the Tertiary Preparation Program, it provided her with the confidence to complete her Bachelor of Nursing and spend 10 years working as a Clinical Nurse in Aboriginal Medical Services.

“I think having studied at a different institution, USQ is such a great institution in that there’s a real focus on engaging, retaining and graduating indigenous students across all fields,” she said.

“I spoke to the director of Indigenous units the other day who told me that they graduated 11 Indigenous nurses last year which blew me away.

“I think USQ should be commended for that achievement.”

To read more about the undergraduate and postgraduate programs available in Health and Community, visit the USQ website.