Ariba Omar has always loved to write and will try her hand at reporting. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
A Wagga Year 11 student who wants to become a regional GP has been selected as one of just 12 students from across Australia for a prestigious future health leaders program.
Kooringal High School student Ariba Omar will travel to Canberra in October after being selected for the 2026 Future Health Leaders Program, run by Research Australia and AbbVie.
The highly competitive program will give the 16-year-old the chance to visit research facilities, meet health and medical researchers and question politicians and ministers about the future of Australia’s health system.
“It was so competitive, I didn’t think I had a chance but I was grateful I got this opportunity,” she said.
“Only 12 Year 11 students from across Australia are accepted.”
Ariba said her application focused on an issue she believes is often overlooked – health literacy among young people.
“I did a written submission on what I would gain from the experience and what would make me interested,” she said.
“I wrote about the lack of health literacy among young people. For example, nobody tells you about MyHealth and the purpose behind it when you’re at school. That’s an issue I want to raise.”
The two-day Canberra program will include visits to research facilities, sessions with health and medical researchers and the opportunity to attend parliament and ask ministers questions.
The CSIRO will also be involved in the program.
Maddie Heslop was interviewed by Ariba Omar when she tried her hand at journalism. Photo: Supplied.
For Ariba, the opportunity is another step towards a career in regional healthcare.
“I am planning to study at University of NSW’s Wagga campus,” she said.
“My aim is to become a regional GP; I’m passionate about rural health and we need more GPs in the Riverina.”
She is also considering a career as a cancer specialist.
Ariba has already been heavily involved in health and community issues.
She was named Riverina Young Volunteer of the Year in 2025 after years of volunteering with the Cancer Council, beginning when she was just four years old. She has also taken part in the SunSafe Student Ambassador Program, NSW Youth Parliament and debating and leadership programs.
She has also pursued journalism, doing an internship with Region last year and producing her first published article.
Now she will take her questions about regional health directly to Canberra.
The Future Health Leaders immersion will be held on 13 and 14 October.
