Industry Focus: Healthcare

The last two years of life in a global pandemic have undoubtedly changed many aspects of our lives. This is something Healthcare workers can certainly attest to, as they experience the effects on the front line and work to keep our communities safe.

We have reached out to a few of our Alumnae working in the field across various roles to share their stories.

MONICA COTTEE (CLASS OF 2000)

CT Clinical Specialist, GE Health Care, ANZ

Fondest memory of your time at Ave?

The friends I made at Ave. I am lucky to say I am still very close to many of my high school friends. We met in the classrooms but are still friends twenty plus years later. We still laugh with each other at “in” jokes we made in our teens and send each other pictures from our school days.

Favourite subject or favourite teacher?

I absolutely loved Textiles class and was often told off by my teachers for sewing too fast. They were worried I would catch my finger on a needle! Proud to say that never happened. Mr Dunlop’s Maths and Physics classes were also favourites of mine. I remember laughing a lot in his classes even with such humourless topics. He made learning fun for me.

What inspired/drew you towards your current career?

When it came time to start selecting courses, I started exploring a variety of science and medical professions. That’s when I discovered Medical Radiations and my future path into Radiography. This job combined my interest in science and working with people with many options for specialisation.

How have you found working in healthcare during a pandemic?

As CT Clinical Specialist, I no longer actively work with patients, as I am teaching and generating clinical cases for education, sales & marketing. However, during hospital visits I have seen how much extra work and stress the pandemic has placed on my radiographer colleagues. They have had to modify how the work and wear PPE to protect themselves, patients and families.

What are your future aspirations in your professional life?

My chosen career presents several options for me in the future. One option would be to work in product development. This would mean I could positively influence and guide the direction of CT scanner improvements for the benefit of patients globally.

Another direction may be in the clinical environment; heading up a CT department within a hospital where I can assist patients, train new radiographers, and work closely with the management team of a radiology department.

Any advice to current students as they think about their future and careers?

Chose a career or pathway that interests you and where your talents lie. Then you can be passionate and enjoy going to work.

If you want to travel, think about if your skills or profession can be transferred to another country. I was lucky I got to work all over England as a radiographer and travel for five years in my twenties.

Finally, remember you are not always “stuck” where you begin. Skills can be transferred into different careers or workplaces. You never really know where in the world you may end up.

KATHERINE O’CONNOR (CLASS OF 2006)

Senior Occupational Therapist on the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Northern Health

Fondest memory of your time at Ave?

The study trip to Malaysia in year 11, it fueled my lifelong obsession with travel, food, culture, language and history.

Favourite subject or favourite teacher?

The open-door policy, no nonsense, passion for their craft puts a few in a

EMILY DAYE (CLASS OF 2012)

Regulatory Advisor – Registration (Team Leader) at Ahpra

Fondest memory of your time at Ave?

Mr Nolan directing a class music video in Year 8 English and Mr Tait recording our Year 9 original compositions.

Favourite subject or favourite teacher?

Music performance tie; Mr Crowe, Mr Keenan, Mr Horne, Ms Lam, Mr Burke, Ms Hammer, Ms Mamo, Mrs McLean, Mrs Pearce, Mr Marin, but Bu Godoy has to be the winner. Any woman who can teach me for years and still welcome me with open arms when I return will always be my favourite.

What inspired/drew you towards your current career?

This is the doing of Rowena Lam. She knew me so well that she suggested a career I didn’t know existed. She set up a chat for me with an OT she knew and the rest is history.

How have you found working in healthcare during a pandemic?

If you had told me how hard it would be, I don’t know that I would have stuck around. I have patients in hospital for months - years. Social support during such an important time is everything. We’ve had to be the bad guys a lot these last two years. The abuse has been relentless. But then a lockdown ends and you see a patient see their family again; there is no feeling quite like it.

What inspired/drew you towards your current career?

My career choices have always been guided by passion, stability and versatility. As a musician throughout high school, I realised I could pursue music while studying. My love of healthcare started while watching the show All Saints with my mum. When Mrs Morgan mentioned nursing as a career option, I soon applied for work experience at a hospital. As my career developed, my passion for healthcare has expanded to include professional development, healthcare regulation and team leadership.

How have you found working in healthcare during a pandemic?

During the pandemic, I have worked in both clinical and non-clinical settings. As a frontline nurse, I was involved in COVID-19 testing in Melbourne community hotspots. I found it rewarding working with a team of healthcare, government and military frontline workers all there for a shared purpose. Each interaction with a person became an opportunity to empathise and educate where needed.

At this point, I’d settle for a holiday. I love being an advocate for the vulnerable population, especially those who can no longer advocate for themselves. As much as I love my clinical work, I think advocacy and policy development taking a big role in the not-too-distant future.

Any advice to current students as they think about their future and careers?

The best advice I received was to not pick a course and mold my subjects to it. Instead, choose the subjects I enjoy and see where that takes me. My varied year 12 subjects led me to a varied career; I work clinically, get to teach staff and students, problem solve and research.

At the end of the day, your career is only one part of life and it can evolve into something you didn’t even know existed. More importantly, after a pandemic working in healthcare, I promise you, the career you choose isn’t anywhere near as important as your mental health and seeing your family and friends.

What are your future aspirations in your professional life?

Professional life is a constant learning experience. I recently completed my Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to better understand adult learning principles and plan to study further. I aim to take opportunities that allow my professional growth in the healthcare industry to continue to make positive impacts where I can. My love of music is still strong as well. I have been busy recording and releasing singles with my debut studio album, Daybreak, set to be released in early 2022.

Any advice to current students as they think about their future and careers?

There is no right way to make a career. I encourage people to reflect on what they are passionate about and take the time to plan a life with it in focus.

Thank you ladies for sharing your incredible stories.