Meet the Team

The Ubuntu Through Health team is comprised solely of Griffith University Medical students who join towards the end of their first year of study. These team members remain as active representatives of Ubuntu Through Health throughout their entire medical studies, with many members remaining active as Executive Directors after graduation.

Active members

Class of 2025

teodora andric

Teodora completed her Bachelor of Pharmacy from The University of Queensland prior to moving to the Gold Coast to commence her medical studies. She was fortunate enough to travel to a variety of countries in her upbringing which exposed her to a range of health care systems, community structures and standards of living. These experiences developed a passion to reduce health disparities in tangible ways. Through her research and volunteering activities, she became even more motivated by projects that follow the philosophy of small scale, large impact - something she is excited to continue with Ubuntu Through Health. Outside of studies, she enjoys hiking and reconnecting with friends.

Jasmin somers

Jasmin has spent most of her life travelling to developing countries, whether through Asia, Africa or the Americas. These experiences have driven her to develop a passion for global health and work towards decreasing healthcare inequality worldwide. Through her involvement with refugee and human rights advocacy, work with indigenous communities and the writing of global health policy, her passion to close the health gap only continues to grow. Jasmin hopes to one day become a humanitarian aid worker to help communities internationally and improve healthcare access and services.

CLASS OF 2026

charles dollar

Charles’ interest in global health was ignited by a trip to the rural Fijian villages of Nasivikoso and Somosomo in high school. The experience opened his eyes to the stark health inequities that are experienced by populations all around the world. He is driven by the belief that healthcare should be accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic background or geographical location. After completing a Masters of Public Health, he aspires to contribute to empowering communities and making a positive impact on global population health through his involvement in Ubuntu, and medical career beyond. Outside of his studies, you’ll catch Charles watching, discussing and participating in all manner of live sports (especially rugby), as well as being continuously humbled by the Gold Coast’s world-class surf breaks.

leslie oldfield

Leslie completed her Bachelor of Arts in International Development and Masters in Medical Biophysics in Canada prior to relocating to the Gold Coast for Medical School. She was fortunate enough to travel to several countries and completed a fellowship in Nairobi, Kenya. Her academic background and diverse travel experiences ignited a strong committment to address global inequities in healthcare. On graduation, Leslie hopes to use her medical knowledge to improve access to medicine and health care services for vulnerable populations. Outside of medicine, you’ll find Leslie planning her next hiking trip, cozying up with a book and tea on the couch, or checking out a new brewery.

emma siddle

Emma was lucky enough to travel to both Japan and Eastern Africa during high school. These trips sparked a love for learning about new cultures within her, but also opened her eyes to global health. These experiences cemented her dream of becoming a doctor. She hopes to use her education to assist in providing culturally appropriate, sustainable, and accessible health care to all. Joining Ubuntu, she wants to make a meaningful contribution in reducing health care disparities globally. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in nature; mostly through surfing but also camping (when the busy med school schedule allows).

Class of 2027

SHIMILA hartley

Shimila’s passion for women’s health, advocacy, and education has been the driving force behind her journey into medicine. Her commitment to global health has been shaped by her volunteer work both locally and abroad, where she has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education in breaking cycles of poverty and the urgent need for accessible healthcare in underserved communities. These experiences have reinforced her dedication to addressing healthcare disparities on a broader scale. Driven by a vision of equitable healthcare, particularly in maternal and reproductive health, Shimila hopes to use her medical education to advocate for women’s health both locally and globally, ensuring that all women—regardless of background—receive the care and support they deserve.

ashleigh hope

Ashleigh is deeply passionate about global health and is driven by a commitment to addressing the inequities that shape healthcare access worldwide. Her passion was sparked through her travels where she witnessed firsthand the stark disparities in healthcare access and during her time coordinating clinical trials at Sydney Children’s Hospital, where she witnessed the benefit that outreach projects can have in bridging the gap in healthcare delivery. These experiences inspired her to become an advocate for change by providing sustainable health measures tailored to communities that they serve.

Kipling perkins

Kipling grew up in Sydney and completed a Bachelor of Pre-Medicine, Science and Health before moving to the Gold Coast to study Medicine. She has travelled to many countries across the globe throughout her life including attending the Global Young Leaders Conference at the United Nations to discuss youth approaches to the sustainable development goals, and working in a remote village in Fiji during her undergraduate degree. These experiences inspired a passion for medicine and a belief that all communities should be empowered to achieve safety, wellness and health. It is Kipling’s goal to use her medical degree to provide meaningful care and improve access to health education for all individuals and communities, and Kipling would love to work with Medecins Sans Frontieres or the United Nations again. Outside of medicine you’ll find Kipling curled up with a book, or exploring the Gold Coast with her friends.

Class of 2028

skye brownsea

Skye graduated with a Bachelor of Paramedicine in 2019 and has since worked as a Paramedic overseas and in rural and remote parts of Australia. Throughout her career and personal travels, she has witnessed stark disparities in access to healthcare and living standards, observing how these can vary significantly between communities and across cultures. These experiences cultivated a deep interest in global health and ultimately inspired her to study Medicine. Skye hopes to use the knowledge and skills she gains throughout her Medical degree to support communities in need, tackle health inequalities, and make a lasting impact. In her spare time you’ll likely find her on a yoga mat or off the beaten track in her hiking boots.

Grete Gawthorn

Grete is passionate about women’s health and is committed to advocating for equitable access to care — especially for those in underprivileged communities. Growing up, Grete experienced many different cultures and was here exposed to the disparities faced by many. This ignited a desire to serve and support those who are often overlooked. Through Ubuntu Through Health, Grete hopes to bring about sustainable and meaningful change. Outside of University, Grete enjoys the beach and spending time with friends and family!

Aaron Prema

Aaron was born in the United Kingdom and grew up in Sydney before moving to Canberra to study at the Australian National University. Throughout his studies, he developed a strong interest in social inequality and health system development, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. This interest led him to work in the Australian Public Service, where he continues to contribute alongside his medical studies. Aaron hopes to combine his future medical training with his policy experience to strengthen health systems and improve health equity across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

2025 executive team

• Monica Narula: Class of 2018

• Wadie Rassam: Class of 2020

• Megan Baxter: Class of 2021

alumni