2026 Winner: Young Alumnus Award, Health (and overall winner)
Bachelor of Medical Science, 2011; Doctor of Medicine, 2015
Dr Mikaela Seymour is a medical doctor and public health registrar with expertise in global health, tropical medicine, and health equity. Recognised as a Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honouree, she has led health initiatives across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific while serving in the Australian Army as a Medical Officer.
Tell us something that might surprise others to learn about you.
Many people know me through my work in public health and rural medicine, but what often surprises people is that my career initially seemed headed in a completely different direction. I originally planned to pursue surgery and spent four years as an acute surgery and trauma registrar. However, a medical placement in Papua New Guinea (PNG) during my Griffith years gave me a passion for health equity and ultimately shaped the path I've followed ever since.
What does a typical day or week at work look like for you?
No two weeks are the same. My work can involve public health projects, research, policy, outbreak response, stakeholder engagement, teaching, and health initiatives across Australia and PNG. On Wednesday I’m in a World Health Organisation (WHO) evaluation exercise, on Thursday I’m sitting in a Measles Outbreak Meeting, on Friday I’m liaising with international militaries on civil-military health security responses. The variety is one of the things I enjoy most.
Is there a standout experience from your time at Griffith that helped you to get where you are now?
Without question, it was the opportunity to undertake an international placement in PNG through Griffith's medical program.
Griffith encouraged me to think beyond grades and develop the interpersonal and leadership skills needed to make a real impact, especially via the Long Look program. The university's commitment to rural and international health experiences gave me opportunities that fundamentally shaped my career and worldview.
That experience opened my eyes to the challenges facing rural and remote communities and gave me the confidence to pursue a career beyond traditional clinical medicine.
I realised I wanted to use my clinical skills to help improve healthcare access, especially for remote and underserved communities. Griffith's rural medical placements broadened my understanding of what doctors can do within communities and the role we can play in strengthening health systems.
Why does your work matter?
My work focuses on Health security and equity, as health threats do not affect all populations equally, and vulnerabilities in one community can have far-reaching consequences for others. Health security focuses on preventing, detecting, and responding to health emergencies such as pandemics, disease outbreaks, and climate-related health risks. Health equity ensures that all people have fair access to the resources, services, and opportunities needed to achieve good health, regardless of their socioeconomic status, geography, gender, or background. Together, they contribute to more resilient health systems, better health outcomes, and stronger societies.
Can you share a specific initiative or current project you are working on that excites you?
Currently, I am working with the National Disease Control and Surveillance Division, Public Health Wing, to shape PNG's integrated surveillance systems to provide evidence for timely decision-making in health emergencies. This incorporates medical knowledge, leadership skills and management principles to deliver an effective system. Working with my PNG colleagues, health care workers and epidemiologists, we have a huge opportunity to shape the future of health emergencies in PNG and ultimately save lives through timely action. My experience through Long Look at Griffith Medical School helped me see doctors as leaders and advocates in the community, and I now use these skills to strengthen whole-of-country systems.
What challenges or obstacles shaped who you are?
Working in remote areas with limited resources taught me resilience, adaptability and creativity. When there's no easy solution available, you learn how important teamwork, resourcefulness and community relationships really are.
How do you spend your downtime?
I am lucky to be supported by an amazing partner who encourages my passion for complex health problems. We spend our downtime exploring PNG's natural beauty and biodiversity through scuba diving, hiking, and traveling.
What advice would you give to a current Griffith student or recent graduate?
Don't be afraid to pursue opportunities outside the traditional pathway. Some of the most rewarding experiences happen when you step into unfamiliar environments. Believe in yourself, stay curious and be willing to learn from every experience.
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