As we celebrate ‘50 Years of Deadly’ for this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, one University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) student is demonstrating how education can be a powerful catalyst for change.
Proud Dunghutti woman, doctor, artist and Juris Doctor student Tahni Derbin has built a career dedicated to improving the lives of others. From nursing to medicine, and now law, her journey has been driven by a desire to advocate for vulnerable communities and create more culturally safe systems.
Already an accomplished doctor, Tahni chose to continue her education at UniSQ because its flexible online learning allowed her to pursue a Juris Doctor while working full-time, a decision that reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, advocacy and improving outcomes for First Nations communities.
We recently spoke with her about her about her learning journey, the importance of representation, and why learning never stops.
You already have an impressive career in medicine and mental health nursing. What inspired you to take on a Juris Doctor, and why did you choose UniSQ?
Originally, I was a nurse before I became a doctor. I went into healthcare because I wanted to help people and contribute to closing the gap in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other vulnerable communities. During my third year of medical school, I witnessed injustices that affected not only my own people but many vulnerable Australians. It made me start asking questions about people's rights, advocacy and how I could help give a voice to those who often aren't heard. That experience ultimately led me to study law. Law had honestly never been on my radar before medicine. We studied health law during medical school, and I found it fascinating. It made me realise how closely medicine and law are connected, and I wanted to understand that area more deeply.
UniSQ made studying possible because of the flexibility of online learning. The platform is easy to navigate, and I've found the lecturers approachable, supportive and genuinely invested in helping students succeed. I've really enjoyed the Juris Doctor. It's challenging, but it's also been incredibly rewarding.
How do you balance studying with working full-time as a doctor?
I think it's important to recognise your own limits. Working full-time as a doctor is demanding, and some university subjects require a significant amount of mental energy. I tried to be strategic with my study. Whenever possible, I planned my annual leave around exam periods so I had dedicated time to prepare and organise my notes. Medical school also taught me how to study efficiently. You don't have the luxury of memorising information without understanding it. You have to learn quickly, but more importantly, you have to truly understand the material. Those study skills have been invaluable throughout my law degree.
How do you see law complementing your work as a doctor?
My inspiration really came from wanting to better understand the legal system and advocate for vulnerable people, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. I'm still deciding exactly what I'll do with my law degree.
I intend to complete my practical legal training, but whether I practise law regularly or use it as complementary knowledge alongside medicine is something I'm still working out. I have a strong interest in areas like employment law and personal injury, but I also plan to continue practising as a GP because I genuinely enjoy medicine. Having qualifications in both disciplines gives me a broader perspective when supporting patients and navigating complex systems.
Alongside your work in healthcare and your studies, you're also an artist. How does creativity influence your life?
Art has always been part of my life. I created artwork throughout school, but I never imagined selling it commercially. I eventually started sharing my work on Instagram, and a company reached out asking if they could sell prints. From there it grew naturally.
Art has become another way for me to tell stories, including my own story and sometimes the stories of people who have experienced similar challenges. My Aboriginal identity naturally influences my artwork. It allows me to express culture in a contemporary and abstract way while creating pieces that I hope people connect with and enjoy. Art has also given me opportunities to start conversations about culture, identity and resilience in ways that words sometimes can't.
As a proud Dunghutti woman, what does NAIDOC Week mean to you?
For me, NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It's a time to acknowledge our achievements, recognise our history, and reflect on both the challenges we've overcome and the progress we've made.
It's also a time when communities come together, strengthen cultural connections, celebrate culture and continue the healing journey. Just as importantly, it provides an opportunity for allies to learn, engage and celebrate alongside us. To me, this year's theme is about reflecting on how far we've come while recognising there is still more work to do. It reminds us of significant milestones, advances in Indigenous rights and the many First Nations peoples who have helped create change. Despite everything we've faced, our cultures remain strong, our communities continue to thrive, and we're still here telling our stories and shaping Australia's future.
How has your culture influenced the way you care for patients and serve your community?
A lot of my approach comes from my own lived experience and my family's experiences. I've seen firsthand the impact that can occur when cultural safety isn't present, both within the healthcare system and the justice system. Those experiences have shaped how I practise medicine. Sometimes it's the simple things that make a difference, like understanding why an Aboriginal patient might discharge against medical advice, recognising the importance of family and community, or appreciating that cultural obligations can influence healthcare decisions. Having that understanding allows me to provide more compassionate, culturally safe care and, hopefully, helps patients feel seen, heard and understood.
What advice would you give to other First Nations peoples considering university?
I'd honestly say: go for it. I was a high school dropout. I never finished Year 12, and I certainly didn't think I'd end up at university. I started with a Certificate III in Aged Care, then completed a Diploma of Nursing, followed by a Bachelor of Nursing and a Master's in Mental Health Nursing. From there I went on to study medicine, and now I'm close to finishing a Juris Doctor. There were plenty of times I questioned whether I was smart enough, particularly when I was considering medicine. Having support from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student services and other First Nations medical students made a huge difference. My advice is not to let your starting point define where you finish. If you're passionate about something, pursue it. It's okay if your journey looks different to everyone else's. It's okay to study part-time. It's okay to ask for help. Celebrate the small wins as much as the big ones, keep learning, and don't underestimate what you're capable of. Looking back now, studying law is something I don't regret for a second.
What are your hopes for the next generation of First Nations students and leaders?
My hope is that we continue to see more First Nations people stepping into leadership positions across every profession, whether that's healthcare, law, education, business, politics or the judiciary. I want to see leaders who understand our communities, who are committed to creating meaningful change, and who use their positions to improve outcomes for future generations. Representation matters. When young people see someone who looks like them succeeding, it reminds them that those pathways are possible for them too. My hope is that the next generation grows up believing there are no limits to what they can achieve.
