Leah Connell’s journey into remote health practice was born from her desire to make a difference in communities that are often overlooked.
After working as a Speech Pathologist in East Arnhem Land and across the Northern Territory since 2019, Leah wanted to expand her skills to better serve rural and remote populations. This led her to pursue a Graduate Certificate in Remote Health Practice at Flinders University in 2024. Reflecting on her decision, she shares, “I wanted to know more and expand my skills and knowledge in this area, which is why I decided to complete this program.”
For Leah, remote health practice is much more than a career—it’s a calling. “I love hearing people’s stories and helping those who might be doing it tough,” she says. Working in rural and remote settings has exposed her to the challenges faced by these communities, from geographical remoteness to limited healthcare access. Despite these challenges, Leah feels privileged to support individuals in building their understanding of health. “It’s an honour to work with people in remote communities to build their capacity and understanding of health messaging,” she explains.
Choosing the Right Program
Leah’s decision to study at Flinders was fuelled by the university’s focus on the unique needs of the Northern Territory. “Flinders stood out because they had campuses and lecturers based in the Territory with real Territory knowledge,” Leah shares. Her experience was enriched by the supportive, knowledgeable lecturers who provided valuable insights and made her feel genuinely connected, even while studying remotely.
Leah’s hands-on learning at Alice Springs campus was a highlight of her studies, helping her apply what she learned to real-world situations. “Our lecturers made an effort to get to know us, which made it easy to reach out for help. They provided insights that really strengthened my knowledge,” she recalls.
Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Advice for Others
After completing her certificate, Leah has taken on a senior role as a Speech Pathologist in rural New South Wales, where she’s focusing on quality improvement projects to enhance healthcare access. Although she misses the Northern Territory, she’s excited to bring what she learned to a new community. Her advice to prospective students considering a path in remote health? “It can be daunting to return to study, but the flexibility Flinders offered made it achievable,” she says.
Recently, Leah received the 2024 Chronic Disease in Remote and Indigenous Primary Health Care award, a recognition she deeply values. “Receiving this award was unexpected, but I’m honoured to be recognised for my effort. It’s been such a privilege to work in remote Aboriginal communities,” she reflects. With her passion and commitment, Leah Connell is an inspiring example of the impact one person can make in rural and remote health practice.