Summah Holden attended the Indigenous Allied Health Australia’s Ultimate Student Leadership Challenge 2024 — and it was an experience that pushed her beyond her limits. From navigating high-pressure scenarios in multidisciplinary teams to learning how to advocate for pharmacy within Indigenous health, Summah reflects on the intense, emotional, and inspiring journey that helped shape her confidence, connection, and future direction.
When they named this event the Ultimate Student Leadership Challenge, they certainly didn’t over-exaggerate. It pushed me beyond limits I didn’t even know I could surpass. From the very first day, it was Go. Go. Go. I walked into the event feeling nervous, trying not to let it show, and challenged myself to step outside my usual shell. I’m not naturally outgoing, but I knew that this was the opportunity to push myself to be more social and to engage with others. Fortunately, the IAHA team did an incredible job of bringing everyone together, creating an environment that made it easier to connect with peers and mentors alike.
One of the aspects I really enjoyed was the check-ins and check-outs. These sessions were such a great way to foster group cohesion, allowing everyone to reflect on the day and express thoughts or concerns in a space that felt open and supportive. Nothing during the event felt forced, which was a huge relief, especially considering how intense the experience was overall. These moments helped build a sense of solidarity and reminded me of the importance of staying connected with others when working on high-pressure projects.
Working in a multi-disciplinary team was one of my favourite parts of the USLC. It was so enlightening to learn about the other disciplines, how they operate in practice, and the unique and similar ways we all contribute to patient care. However, I did face a challenge in my group when it came to advocating for the role of pharmacy in Indigenous health. I struggled to convince my peers that pharmacy was an essential part of the healthcare team, and by the time we completed our final draft, I felt almost “voted out” as my field wasn’t prioritized in our presentation. Initially, we decided to reduce the number of health professionals Auntie Barb would interact with, and I almost agreed that pharmacy didn’t belong in this scenario.
That was, until I saw the presentations of other groups, where pharmacists were integral to the care team. Hearing those presentations made me realize that I should have pushed harder to understand how a multi-disciplinary team works together and how pharmacists fit into that structure to improve overall care. This experience taught me the importance of advocating for my profession, especially in the context of Indigenous health, and reinforced my desire to better understand how collaboration across disciplines can create a more holistic approach to patient care.
Despite the extreme challenges, the pressure, and the lack of sleep, I realized that I am capable of pushing past my physical and mental limits. In retrospect, I do wish the lack of sleep and stress had been more manageable, as looking back on the USLC feels a little like a fever dream. There are parts of the experience, such as some of my discussions with mentors, where I feel like the details are fuzzy, but the overall impact remains vivid.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of the event was the cultural fullness I experienced. Being able to be myself and share stories with people who understood where I was coming from was incredibly fulfilling. The sense of belonging was tangible, and it added a layer of depth to the entire experience. Having so many students and mentors in one place, all with the same goals of improving Indigenous health and advocating for Indigenous students, was deeply inspiring. It fuelled my passion to continue working towards these goals and reminded me of the importance of staying dedicated to improving the healthcare system for Indigenous communities.
In the end, the USLC was an unforgettable experience that tested my limits, expanded my understanding of interdisciplinary teamwork, and reaffirmed my commitment to making a meaningful impact in Indigenous health.
Applications are now open for the IAHA Ultimate Student Leadership Challenge 2025.
