This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. James Fitzpatrick is a consultant paediatrician, researcher and entrepreneur. He established Patches Paediatrics to harness the creativity of private enterprise and the precision of science to address seemingly intractable health problems in Aboriginal communities. James was awarded Young Australian of the Year in 2001 for his work in Aboriginal health, rural health workforce improvement and youth suicide prevention. As a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney, and a former Infantry soldier, James combines a scientific approach with a reputation for getting things done.

James is the founder and Director of Patches Paediatrics, a child health service that is revolutionalising child health services in remote communities. He is also the founder of True Blue Dreaming, an Outback Youth Mentoring Program working with communities in the WA Wheatbelt and Kimberley regions.

He advises the Federal Minister for Indigenous health on strategies to ‘Close the Gap’ in Indigenous health disparity and was influential in shaping the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013 - 2023.

James Fitzpatrick is a consultant paediatrician, researcher and entrepreneur. He established Patches Paediatrics to harness the creativity of private enterprise and the precision of science to address seemingly intractable health problems in Aboriginal communities. James was awarded Young Australian of the Year in 2001 for his work in Aboriginal health, rural health workforce improvement and youth suicide prevention. As a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney, and a former Infantry soldier, James combines a scientific approach with a reputation for getting things done.

James is the founder and Director of Patches Paediatrics, a child health service that is revolutionalising child health services in remote communities. He is also the founder of True Blue Dreaming, an Outback Youth Mentoring Program working with communities in the WA Wheatbelt and Kimberley regions.

He advises the Federal Minister for Indigenous health on strategies to ‘Close the Gap’ in Indigenous health disparity and was influential in shaping the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013 - 2023.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)