Applications for the 2026 Newnham Fellowship of up to $12,000 are now open to support the education of rural doctors or advance public health outcomes in rural communities. 

The Rural Clinical School of WA (RCSWA) congratulates Dr Amyna Jiwani on winning the 2025 Fellowship. The Bunbury hospital doctor is studying a Master of Health Professional Education (MHPE) at The University of Western Australia with support from the program. 

Dr Jiwani said she had enjoyed teaching since medical school and wanted to gain a strong foundation in evidence-based teaching through the MHPE.

"I'm aiming to develop practical skills in curriculum design, leadership, and educational research, and gain confidence to critically reflect on and improve my teaching practice,” she said. 

"Teaching has always been my passion. I’m looking forward to learning from and collaborating with a diverse community of health educators, and to contribute meaningfully to educational innovation and workforce development.”

While living and working in Bunbury over the past five years, Dr Jiwani said she had become more aware of the significant health disparities that rural areas experience.  

“There are pressing needs in Indigenous health, chronic disease prevention, environmental health and health promotion - all require more public health professionals,” she said. 

“I began the Master of Public Health at UWA on a part-time basis with the initial goal of acquiring new knowledge, but now I want to broaden my capacity to serve rural and remote communities.”

Dr Jiwani intends to pursue a career in public health and medical education next year after completing the MHPE, while continuing to keep her surgical interest.

Dr Arthur Newnham and his wife Mary were passionate about supporting doctors in rural areas and established the Fellowship in 1987.

Their children, Dr Ian Newnham, Ms Helen Newnham, Professor John Newnham and Mrs Jill Morgan, are helping to realise their parents’ vision through the Fellowship.

Read the program Terms and Conditions here.

Contact [email protected] for more information and to apply by 5pm Monday 25 May 2026.

Image: Dr Amyna Jiwani, 2025 Newnham Fellow.