This literature review has been undertaken as a part of the research activities for the Career Pathways Project (CPP) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals commissioned by the Lowitja Institute. The CPP is focussed on providing insights and guidance to enhance the capacity of the health system to retain and support the development and careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the health workforce and takes a national perspective. This project was initiated by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCHOs) and involves leadership at all levels by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander investigators, partners and field researchers. The aim of the literature review is to examine the peer and grey literature to inform the broader CPP research activities and proposed actions for strengthening the career development opportunities and pathways of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the health workforce. The review focuses on four key questions: 1. What are the unique skill sets and values that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health staff and health professionals can, and do, contribute to health services? 2. What are the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health staff and health professionals in entering, and progressing, their careers within health services? 3. What factors facilitate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce career development and career advancement? 4. What factors impede Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce career development and career advancement? In undertaking this literature review and addressing these questions, we first briefly provide a snapshot of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce and then consider key concepts related to careers. We do so to frame the findings of the literature review provided within the main body of this report and to acknowledge the importance of privileging the contexts, values and perspectives of those who constitute the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce
