For First Nations medical student Sara Fagan, the pursuit of medicine is a journey deeply rooted in her culture and the resilient spirits of her ancestors.
Now in her fourth year at Bond University’s Gold Coast campus, Sara is navigating her first clinical year with a clear vision: to bridge the gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes through the versatile and community-focused lens of general practice.
A foundation in Country and culture
Sara’s identity is woven into the landscapes of Far North Queensland. Raised between Cairns and Yarrabah, she holds deep connections to the Yirrganydji and Djabugay peoples through her father, and the Olkola and Kokobera peoples through her mother.
“Djabugay country is primarily around the Kuranda region, and Yirrganydji is north Cairns stretching up towards Port Douglas,” she explains.
Growing up, healthcare was a constant presence in Sara’s life, with her inspiration stemming from the tireless public health work of her parents.
Her father Cleveland Fagan served as the CEO of Apunipima Cape York Health Council, while her mother worked for Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service Aboriginal Corporation in Yarrabah.
“I used to spend a lot of time around the doctors who worked out of those organisations,” Sara says.
“It was natural to be around healthcare workers, and with my parents’ focus on their children getting an education, I was always drawn to careers that would challenge me.”
Resilience through hardship
The road to becoming a doctor has tested Sara’s resolve in ways few could imagine.
During her first year in 2022, she faced the loss of her grandfather. By her second year, she was hit by a life-altering tragedy when her father, one of her biggest inspirations, passed away from a massive heart attack.
“One of my parents passing was always my biggest nightmare,” she shares.
“But knowing that I still got through that year and continue on with my degree to this day shows me that I know whatever’s hard, I’m made of harder stuff.”
Beyond personal loss, Sara has navigated the complexities of financial hurdles, managing ABSTUDY support and securing scholarships like the Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship to fund her education.
For Sara, overcoming these challenges is a matter of perspective.
“I remind myself that there’s only two options: I sit and feel sorry for myself and let it overwhelm me, or I buck up and get a move on.”
The heartbeat of general practice
What draws Sara toward a career in general practice is the opportunity for rural generalism and the ability to be an anchor within a community.
“I find that the aspect of being a part of a community and making dedicated changes that actively make a difference is where my love lies,” she says.
“I love the city, but I also love the small, quaintness of a rural town, which is why my love lies firmly with rural medicine as a whole.”
To Sara, a successful GP must be person-oriented and dedicated to a holistic model of care.
This philosophy was reinforced during her mental health placement, where a breakthrough conversation with a patient recovering from catatonia solidified her desire to be a healer.
“The breakthrough I had with this patient was a memorable experience for me that I will always remember,” she says.
Inspired by pioneers
Sara stands on the shoulders of giants. She counts Dr Mark Wenitong, one of Australia’s first Aboriginal doctors and a dear friend of her late father, as a primary inspiration.
She also draws strength from Dr Lewis Peachey and Dr Jason King, pioneers who have paved the way for First Nations medical students.
“I met Dr Lewis Peachey for the first time at RDAQ 2025, yet it felt like meeting a family member I’ve known forever,” she recalls.
“He has a strong fire and strength in him that comes from being a pioneer for Indigenous health.”
A vision for the next decade
In 10 years, Sara sees herself as a retrieval doctor, working in the most remote corners of Australia while remaining a fierce advocate for Indigenous health.
She intends to complete the work her father started in social reform, ensuring that the fire he lit continues to burn bright.
Her message to other First Nations people considering medicine is clear: the path is open.
“It isn’t as untouchable as you’d think, and there are financial supports out there,” she says.
“It’s a hard slog, but it’s so rewarding. Having that connection across universities is so important.”
Through the support of the General Practice Students Network (GPSN), which provides vital education on the realities of life as a GP, Sara is well-equipped for the journey ahead.
For her, medicine is not just a career; it is a way to celebrate her culture and ensure the health of her community for generations to come.
