Postgraduate studies

ALLIED HEALTH

The podiatry department continues to extend its class-leading endorsement for scheduled medicines program as part of the continuing education program for staff. In 2021, a further three staff members achieved this endorsement through the Podiatry Board of Australia. This means we know have seven podiatrists qualified to prescribe medicines across the service, with four more podiatrists expected to complete this pathway in 2022. We continue to extend our support to other metropolitan health services looking to establish a similar program.

NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

In collaboration with several education providers, Peninsula Health supports registered nurses to complete formal postgraduate qualifications in cardiac, emergency, intensive care, midwifery, mental health, and perioperative nursing. Postgraduate studies are necessary to ensure registered nurses have the knowledge and skills required to provide best care to patients in their specialty areas. As with other learner cohorts, the 2021 postgraduate students had a difficult year of study, with much of their study moving online instead of the usual face to face. The pandemic response significantly impacted functions in most the clinical areas. This rapidly changing environment required student flexibility, hard work and positivity to meet course requirements. Despite the challenges posed, and many changes to the programs, all students were able to complete their studies and clinical hurdles due to the flexibility and innovation of the education team. 34 staff completed supported postgraduate studies in 2021 many of these supported with postgraduate scholarships.

Congratulations to the following postgraduate nursing award winners:

• Margaret Brazier award for outstanding achievement in intensive care nursing: Jojin Kochanichottil Antony

• Sharon White award for outstanding achievement in emergency nursing:

Jessica James

PHARMACY

A streamlined process has been developed and implemented for staff to access equitable professional development opportunities within Pharmacy. In the 2020-2021 financial year, the pharmacy department supported 21 pharmacists and seven pharmacy technicians to attend a total of 46 professional development opportunities relevant to their area of practice or professional interest. This has fostered growth and expertise within the team. Our Senior Technician was awarded an opportunity to participate in a Diploma in Leadership and Management funded by the Department of Health and Human Services.

In semester 1 of the 2021 academic year, pharmacy educators were successful in application for funding for an intensive 4 month unit of study funded by the Department of Health as part of their Allied Health Leadership Development Initiative. Both educators were awarded a High Distinction in the Public Health module ‘Principles in healthcare quality improvement’.

RADIOLOGY

Whilst the pressures of COVID-19 continued to play a role in limiting continuing professional development, we were able to hold five evening sessions online throughout the year. On the job education continued and we made good use of this to assist with the implementation of two new x-ray machines. Staff were encouraged to attend online conferences/seminars.

Radiology has a number of staff involved in further education, both through their own means and as part of the Monash Advantage agreement Radiology has in partnership with Monash University. The Monash Advantage allows staff to complete two courses/units that can be used as credit towards a higher degree at Monash University. Radiology staff also have a number of research projects in progress.

Congratulations to the following staff who completed postgraduate studies in 2021:

• Wade Smith – Master of Medical Radiation Science (Radiographic Image

Interpretation) with Distinction

• Johann Wise – Master of Medical Imaging Science

• Charlee Henderson – Graduate Certificate of Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• Radia Adem – Graduate Certificate of Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• Emma Callaghan – Graduate Certificate of Magnetic Resonance Imaging

• Ling Ling Li – Graduate Certificate of Magnetic Resonance Imaging