Melba Ridd is a Flinders University lecturer based in the Northern Territory. She’s recently completed a Master of Clinical Education to strengthen her skills in training future health professionals. Passionate about what she does, Melba shares her proud achievement and tips on how to start with a smaller commitment, seek workplace support, and maintain a work-life balance.
What’s your role at Flinders University?
My current role at Flinders Rural and Remote Health NT is Lecturer in Remote Health (Allied Health). I started working at Flinders University part time in 2020, balancing clinical work as a speech pathologist. As I now work full time, I am more involved in research as well as lecturing.
You’ve just completed the Master of Clinical Education, congratulations! What inspired you to go back to studies?
I’m so proud to have earned this qualification. I’m glad to be able to show the professional community around me that I am passionate enough about clinical education to dedicate my time and money to this degree. Many health professionals, including myself, educate health professionals and students in clinical environments without any specific training, but I always wanted to learn more.
You can be a great clinician and not necessarily a great clinical educator. The exciting news is that there is a strong evidence base behind clinical education which can be used to educate the health professionals of the future.
How did you manage to juggle your work and studies?
The Master of Clinical Education course is completed entirely online, which suited me perfectly being based in Darwin, NT. I had initially only committed to a graduate certificate, before then undertaking the next step to a graduate diploma and finally the masters.
I completed the entire course part time over five years. Some semesters I struggled to juggle work and study, as well as find a balance with general life such as enough time to exercise, meal prep, relax and socialise. Once I started working full time at Flinders I was able to take some study leave which I was grateful for. I also used my long service leave to study and increased my study load at that time.
What were your study highlights?
I know it sounds nerdy, but I enjoyed the assignments. Most were focused on an educational issue from the workplace, and I was able to direct time towards accessing the literature and resources surrounding that issue, to help me come up with a solution.
I also enjoyed the final two research topics which supported me to independently prepare and implement a clinical education research project. These topics required the most study hours from me, but the learning and sense of accomplishment was so rewarding. The clinical education faculty were supportive of me throughout the course and I’m grateful for their confidence in me.
What advice would you give to other staff who consider studies?
Talk to your supervisors about how the additional study could be useful in the workplace, for example, any research projects. The topic handbooks are handy here. Perhaps see if you can access study leave.
Consider looking for an articulated course so you can start with low commitment. If you had asked me to apply for a Masters course in 2019 I would have laughed and ran away. But just a “little” graduate certificate… that’s not too scary!
Think about your work/life balance including how you’ll find time to look after yourself whilst working and studying simultaneously e.g. yoga, pilates, massage, study dates with friends. If you complete your studies at Flinders University, you know you’ll be in good hands!
How did you celebrate your graduation?
My Mum is a retired teacher and I was proud to be joining her ranks as a Masters-qualified teacher, so I made her fly up from down south (in the wet season!) to attend my graduation ceremony in Darwin. I felt so spoiled by Flinders and my colleagues at the graduation ceremony, who made a big fuss of us and our achievements. I threw a post-graduation party with friends to say thank you to everyone who supported me during my studies and to mark the milestone. I also went on holidays to Hawaii for two weeks.
What’s next for you?
After proudly displaying my new post-nominals on my email signature, I’m still basking in the glow of being a master! I’d like to continue my clinical education research and learning journey. One day, I’d like to teach into the Flinders University Clinical Education course. And who knows… maybe, just maybe, a PhD could be on the horizon (right now, a break from study is much needed!).
