ROOTED IN CULTURE: DR. NEWCHURCH'S APPROACH TO CULTURALLY SENSITIVE HEALTHCARE

Dr. Newchurch, an Indigenous doctor and researcher, believes his connection to his culture is crucial in providing care to his patients. "Connection to my people, my language, my culture is intrinsic in the person that I am," he says. Growing up with a strong cultural foundation, Dr. Newchurch finds that this helps him build strong relationships with his patients. He explains that Indigenous people often have a unique ability to connect with others, allowing them to better understand their patients’ needs. For Dr. Newchurch, building trust and connecting with people is key to offering good healthcare.

Dr. Newchurch’s experience working in rural and remote clinics has also shaped his understanding of healthcare, especially in Indigenous communities. He points out, "My training in these areas is crucial to understanding what’s available, what I can use, and how I can treat certain conditions." He believes understanding local healthcare options and challenges is essential for effective care. Dr Newchurch also highlights the importance of trust between doctors and patients, especially because many Indigenous patients share a history of colonisation. "We have a shared history of colonisation, and so that really helps with building that bond of trust and collaboration," he explains. For him, building this trust is key to working with patients to make the right decisions about their health.

In addition to his work as a general practitioner, Dr. Newchurch is involved in drug research and pain medicine. He is especially interested in understanding the connection between physical pain and emotional health, particularly in Aboriginal communities. "We know we have to look at all aspects—social, emotional, and physical well-being," he says. He believes physical and mental health are deeply connected and must be considered when treating patients. This holistic view influences his research in drug development, where he focuses on treatments that not only address physical symptoms but also consider patients’ emotional and cultural needs. For Dr. Newchurch, understanding and incorporating Indigenous cultural perspectives is essential to providing effective, respectful healthcare.