Tell us about you and your mob?
My name is Destiny Kynuna, and I am a proud Wunumara and Kokobera woman. I am a dedicated medical doctor, a loving mother to a beautiful boy and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and I have a passion for learning and experiencing new things. I am also blessed with five sisters, five nieces, and seven nephews, all of whom I love dearly.
I grew up on Gunggandji and Yidinji country, in the Aboriginal community of Yarrabah, located 55 km east of Cairns in Far North Queensland. Currently, my fiancé, Archie, our dog Felipe, and I reside on Bundjalung country on the Gold Coast.
Tell us about your career?
I began my career as a registered nurse, drawn to the field for its broad career opportunities and my long-standing interest in healthcare, though I wasn’t sure exactly which path to take. At the time, nursing seemed like the most accessible option, particularly given that I hadn’t excelled in high school. However, as I progressed through my nursing degree, I found myself excelling, and my mentors and tutors began encouraging me to consider pursuing medicine. During my time as a nursing student, I also had the opportunity to complete a cadetship with the Department of Defence. This experience provided not only financial support and work experience but also allowed me to build valuable professional connections.
After much consideration, it wasn’t until I worked at the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital in the renal department that I realized my potential to make a more significant impact, particularly in Indigenous health. I recognized that by furthering my education and transitioning into medicine, I could contribute more meaningfully to improving healthcare outcomes for Indigenous communities. This realization solidified my decision to pursue medicine and take an active role in addressing these health disparities.
I applied to a program in Sydney and was accepted into the Doctor of Medicine program. However, the transition was challenging in many ways. Moving to a completely new state with limited contacts forced me to grow and build mental resilience through trial and error. Despite these challenges, I continued working as a nurse every weekend in mental health. It was during this time that my passion for psychiatry began to take shape. Throughout my program, I was fortunate to have several research opportunities, in the area of psychiatry including a year working alongside the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), where I contributed to a paper examining the mental health of Aboriginal mothers in custody. I also collaborated with the Black Dog Institute on a suicide prevention app for Indigenous youth. Additionally, I volunteered throughout my degree with the National Justice Project, a non-profit human rights law firm that fights to end discrimination and advocates for First Nations people seeking justice for mistreatment in the healthcare sector.
My passion for social justice has been a driving force in shaping my career aspirations. Moving forward, my primary goal is to specialize in psychiatry and work closely with First Nations communities, helping to address the mental health challenges they face and advocating for better healthcare outcomes.
What skills do you need to succeed in your role?
- Communication: Building trust and effectively explaining medical conditions and treatments is key.
- Emotional Resilience: Psychiatry can be emotionally challenging, so maintaining resilience and compassion is important for patient care and my own well-being.
- Support System and Work-Life Balance: A supportive family and maintaining a work-life balance help me stay grounded and focused, ensuring long-term success in my career.
What is the deadliest thing about your career?
The most rewarding aspect of my career is the opportunity to impact people’s lives on a daily basis. Whether it’s as simple as explaining a care plan to a patient’s family or being part of a life-saving intervention during a resuscitation, each moment carries immense value.
I also feel incredibly fortunate to encounter something new every day. No two days are the same, and no two people are alike, which keeps my work both challenging and fulfilling.
What career advice would you give your mob?
My advice to my mob is to stay persistent and never give up. Don’t let anyone tell you that something can’t be achieved. Find a mentor who can guide and support you along the way, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Most importantly, always look after yourself—your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as any job or goal. No situation is worth compromising your health or self-respect.
What type of education, training and skills are required?
I began my journey with a nursing degree before going on to complete my medical doctorate. This educational pathway provided me with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed for my career in medicine.
However, the most important skills go beyond formal education. Having good self-esteem and resilience is crucial for achieving your dream career. These personal qualities help you push through challenges, stay motivated, and maintain focus on your goals, especially when faced with setbacks or difficult moments.
