What is your role and what does your work focus on?
I am a Lecturer in Medical Education for the SARM program in Renmark. I am involved in teaching and delivering educational activities in medical sciences, including Team-based Learning (TBL), to foster collaborative learning among students.
Where did you work and / or study before joining CMPH / Flinders?
Before joining CMPH / Flinders, I was a Lecturer in Clinical Biochemistry at RMIT University. I coordinated and taught clinical biochemistry subjects in the undergraduate and postgraduate Laboratory Medicine courses.
What inspired you to pursue a career in your current field, and how has your passion evolved over time?
I am a certified clinical biochemist and serve on the committee of professional organisations related to clinical biochemistry and laboratory medicine (AACB and AIMS). Before my role at RMIT University, I taught first-year medical students at the University of Melbourne as a Tutor training them in Problem-based Learning (PBL). This experience sparked my passion for medical education.
By integrating my academic and industry experiences, I hope to collaborate with my colleagues in CMPH / Flinders in developing contemporary, innovative pedagogy in medical education. Students undertaking the current SARM program are highly motivated and enthusiastic. I truly enjoy working with them – they are proactive in their learning and it is rewarding to see them grow in knowledge.
Can you share a memorable experience or project from your career that had a significant impact on you or the community?
My teaching philosophy is to cultivate a passion for learning and to support every student in reaching their full potential. As an educator, I aim at simplifying complex concepts making them easier for students to understand. In my previous clinical biochemistry teaching, I developed creative resources using real patient data to create authentic learning experience that motivated students to learn through investigation. I was fortunate to receive a teaching award for my contributions to education and grateful for the opportunity to present my teaching work to an international audience at a conference.
How do you like to relax or spend your spare time?
The landscape of Riverland is unique and quite different from that of the city. Living in Renmark has been an enjoyable and peaceful experience. The pace of life allows me to appreciate the little things, e.g. growing our own selection of vegetables in the backyard and enjoying the organic, fresh produce. I enjoy engaging with the friendly local community – their warmth and hospitality have made me feel welcome. I also love walking along the Murray River, the scenery is simply breathtaking. I have yet to further explore all that rural SA has to offer!