Division of Health Sciences
I
chose this program as I was keen to combine my passion for science with
my interest in medicine, and what better way to do this than….
Laboratory Medicine!
I chose to study at UniSA as it was accredited by the Australian
Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS). The deciding factor, however,
was the fact that UniSA incorporated a full year of professional
placement in a clinical setting or the chance to undertake Honours
within a biomedical research laboratory. This is, I believe, is a key
deciding factor for future employers.
What I enjoyed most about studying at UniSA was the entire learning
experience, from the social side of university life, to the hands-on
practical side of our program.
The teaching staff are a fantastic asset to UniSA. They are always happy
to lend a helping hand, giving up their time to answer any questions, no
matter how insignificant it may be! They show a real interest in what
they teach, which ultimately makes the learning experience for the
students more enjoyable.
The highlight of my time at UniSA was my Honours year, which
demonstrated a world beyond diagnostic pathology, whilst at the same
time igniting my passion for research in the field for biomedical
science. During my degree I was lucky enough to be offered Honours,
which I accepted with enthusiasm. This 12 month period enabled me to
develop as an individual, develop the skills and experience necessary
for the research field, whilst continuing to build upon the knowledge
learnt from the program itself.
The practicals within the program were also a great experience in
themselves. In third and fourth year the practical components were
structured around how an actual diagnostic pathology laboratory would
operate, receiving mock patient request forms and having to carry out
the desired clinical tests requested. It really made you feel the part
of being a Medical Scientist, giving you a sneak preview of what to
expect in the real world. The most important skill I learnt was how to
problem solve, something that can’t be taught by sitting in a lecture
theatre! The new Basil Hetzel building is a great facility for
Laboratory Medicine students with the labs designed purely for our
practical components.
I am currently employed as a Research Assistant at the Hanson Institute/IMVS
in a Lymphatic Development Laboratory. Here I am able to put all of my
practical and theoretical knowledge, skills and experience developed
during the program to good use.
This area of work is important to me as I believe without research we
couldn’t have made all of the wonderful, serendipitous and life saving
discoveries in health science that we have, now and into the future. I
feel privileged to be part of it all!
To become a leader in this field I believe you need knowledge, the
appropriate skills, the relevant experience, the ability to problem
solve, an analytical mind, but most of a passion for what you do!
Studying at UniSA helped me get my current job, without studying
Laboratory Medicine at UniSA and undertaking my Honours I wouldn’t be
where I am today as a Research Assistant. My plans for the future are to
undertake a PhD… with the sky being the limit!
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