Students gain insights on health careers

4 September 2018

More than 100 Liverpool students gained a first-hand look on Thursday at cutting-edge equipment and new treatments, inspiring many to consider a career in the growing health sector.

The year 10 to year 12 students from nine schools in the Liverpool area heard from a panel of passionate people working in the health field, followed by a tour of Liverpool Hospital and Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research.

The event was part of Liverpool City Council’s Making the Connection series, aimed at showcasing employment opportunities for local young people, and run in partnership with the Ingham Institute, Liverpool Hospital, University of NSW, University of Wollongong, Western Sydney University and NSW TAFE.

Abeer Kahn is in his fifth year of his medical degree at UNSW and completing his residency at Liverpool Hospital, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing.

“I didn’t get it on my first try,” he said. “It’s okay to not be successful in the first go.”

Liverpool Hospital General Manager Karen McMenamin told students she never dreamed she could be a hospital general manager when she started her nursing career and encouraged the students to think big and seize all their opportunities.

“Go for whatever lights you up inside,” she said. “Working at a hospital isn’t just about bedside care, a hospital runs with lots of different people working in things like biomedical science, engineering, finance – a whole range of careers.”

A deep passion for her work in research at the Ingham Institute and in speech pathology at Campbelltown Hospital helps get Joanna Kidd out of bed each morning.

She told students that there was a strong focus in the South West on combining research and clinical work.

“In South West Sydney, there is a big drive to have clinicians doing research, with grants you can apply for to backfill your position while you do research,” she said.

“You can bring the benefits of your research back to your patients.”

Liverpool City Councillor Charishma Kaliyanda, herself an occupational therapist, spoke to students about the exciting opportunities opening up in Liverpool, especially those related to health and education.

“Our city is truly a fitting place for the next generation of health and research professionals to kickstart their careers,” she said.

“Young people like you can consider a career in health, education and research without having to leave the South West Sydney region.”