Ellen Giles is the Manager of the Clinician Engagement Team at the College of Medicine and Public Health, where she supports and engages with clinicians working with Medicine students.  With a career in higher education starting in 2008, she has extensive experience managing student placements and compliance. Ellen recently returned to Adelaide, where she enjoys nature, travelling, and spending time with her Labrador, Nala.

What is your role and what does your work focus on? 

I am the Manager of the Clinician Engagement Team. This role will focus on the support of, and engagement with the Clinicians who support and work with our students in the Medicine Degree.

Where did you work before joining CMPH? 

Prior to this, I was the Senior Coordinator for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in the STEM College at RMIT University. My focus was on placements in the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences (some disciplines include; Nursing, Pharmacy, Medical Radiations, and Laboratory Medicine.)

What journey brought you to this point in your career? 

I have been in Higher Education since 2008 and have worked in a variety of roles and discipline areas at across three different Universities. Once I started working in WIL I really enjoyed it and the challenges of managing students, their placements, and helping them with their pre-placement compliance. I found it very rewarding to help them navigate the challenges of placements and to help get them prepared for their placements. Working in WIL with a focus on Health placements in Hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Victoria was particularly challenging!

After 7 years of living in Melbourne, my husband and I decided it was time to return to Adelaide where both of our families are.

What is something you love most about your work? 

I really enjoy working with people and problem-solving. I love to look at something and see if we can streamline or simplify it!

How do you like to relax or spend your spare time?    

I love travelling and going on adventures. I also love being out in nature. At the moment, I am enjoying long walks on the beach with my 10-year-old Labrador Nala, who is very happy to be back in SA with it’s nice beaches.

I also like to paint, run, crochet, and bake in my spare time.