About
My life has always been about service, compassion and healing.
Welcome all, come and join me as we sit together in this sacred space. I am Dr Danielle Arabena, a descendant of the Meriam Mer people in the Torres Strait.
Dr Danielle Arabena is a medical doctor, specialist, and educator, with a keen interest in women’s and children’s health, menstrual wellness, and childbirth. A GP of Torres Strait Islander descent, Danielle currently works at the Gold Coast Women’s Health clinic, and offers workshops, healing sessions and consultations.
Danielle has a rich history in educating and supporting Indigenous students on their academic journeys, most directly as a University Tutor (QUT & ACU), Lecturer (TAFE), and Associate Lecturer (QUT). She currently mentors Indigenous GP registrars through the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and the Indigenous General Practice Registrars Network. Through the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association, Danielle actively encourages students in remote and rural Indigenous communities to pursue a career in health.
As a Medical and Cultural Educator for General Practice Training Queensland (GPTQ), Danielle teaches registrars about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Furthering her commitment to high quality healthcare for Indigenous communities, Danielle leads the GPTQ Indigenous Health Training team. The team run cultural immersion programs, produce short educational films, and record podcasts (hosted by Danielle).
An engaging and entertaining public speaker, Danielle has presented at several GP and Indigenous health conferences throughout Australia.
Danielle’s journey towards medicine, while not direct, has been diverse in learning and experience. After achieving academic success at high school, Danielle was encouraged to study a Bachelor of Communications (QUT). She then trained as a massage therapist, and in feeling drawn to work with pregnant women, she undertook a Bachelor of Nursing (ACU), with the intent of becoming a midwife. Wishing to further deepen her medical knowledge, Danielle then completed her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (UQ).
Through a unique blending of her scientific training and professional experience, Danielle embraces an integrated approach to medicine, with a focus on holistic and preventative care. Danielle is an animal lover who lives on a mountain with her husband and has two daughters – one a medical doctor, and the other studying to become an Aboriginal health worker.