Our experts

Dentistry

Viet Nguyen – BDSc

Viet graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Science from the University of Melbourne in 2011, and has worked as a dentist in private practice since this time. He is a passionate young health professional who is always offering patients the highest quality care as he is at the forefront of cutting edge dentistry. Viet is constantly updating his knowledge in his field, with particular interests in oral surgery and orthodontics.

Viet completed his secondary schooling at Melbourne High School, achieving an ATAR of 99.70. In his spare time he enjoys travel, outdoor activities, fitness and sports.

Articles by Viet on My Health Career:

Dr William Ha – BDSc GCResComm MPhil

William is a graduate of Brisbane State High School and completed his Bachelor of Dental Science at the University of Queensland in 2007. Passionate about educating and advancing dental knowledge, he is a teacher and researcher at the University of Queensland’s School of Dentistry.

William enjoys and performs all facets of dentistry with a special interest in building up teeth that have been worn down as well as restoring dental implants as he enjoys returning the smiles patients had in their youth. William is happy to spend time educating and supporting anxious patients as he knows that the little things can help keep their smile beautiful. He has worked as a dentist in both metropolitan and rural settings. In 2012 became the President of the Cadmus Dental Society, which is a professional study group in Brisbane.

In 2007, William developed an application for iPhones to enable dentists to quickly look up the prescription medications required to manage a patient’s oral disease or symptoms. He also completed a Graduate Certificate in Research Commercialisation in 2012. He completed a Masters of Philosophy in the area of Applied Dental Biomaterials.

Click here to watch William’s videos about a career in dentistry.

Dietetics

Melanie McGrice – AdvAPD (Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian)

Melanie McGrice is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian with a Masters degree in Dietetics. She specialises in weight management and was awarded the ‘excellence in dietetics’ award in 2012 for her outstanding work in this area. Melanie is the author of ‘The Pregnancy Weight Plan’ and has co-authored several papers published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

An experienced media spokesperson, Melanie is regularly interviewed for television news, current affairs and lifestyle programs, as well as radio and print media. She also writes regularly for magazines and is a public speaker for corporate companies, professional organisations and schools. Melanie is passionate about educating Australians to eat well, appreciate good food and maintain a healthy lifestyle so that they can feel great and get the most out of life.

Join her free nutrition and wellbeing network at www.melaniemcgrice.com.au.

Article by Melanie McGrice on My Health Career:

Carolina Rossi – APD/ND

Carol completed her undergraduate training in nutrition and dietetics in Brazil. She has spent countless weekends completing post graduate diplomas and certificates, one of these earning her a qualification in Sports Nutrition. She also holds a Masters in Clinical Functional Nutrition, which is similar to a Naturopathy qualification in Australia.

Carol has over 9 years of experience in private practice and has worked with elite athletes including tennis players, dancers, body builders, cyclists, runners, motorcyclists and adventure racers. She attended the Race Across America, which is a 4,000km cycling competition across the USA, with one of her clients, who became the first Latin American competitor to finish the race.

Carol has excelled as a dietitian due to her extensive training and her ability to ascertain her patient’s needs, and ensure that they understand why they need to follow their dietary program. Apart from working with athletes, Carol also provides nutritional advice for women during pregnancy, children, families, and for people with specific conditions such as food allergies, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Click here to watch Carol’s videos about a career in dietetics.

Emily Henry – B. Nutrition & Dietetics (Hons)

Emily graduated from the University of Wollongong with a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2009. She initially practiced as a dietitian in the Whitsundays, and now also consults on the Gold Coast. Emily provides a simple and ‘straight talking’ approach to good health and good nutrition.

Emily completed further training in sports nutrition, and relocated a portion of her practice to the Sport and Leadership Excellence Centre on the Gold Coast. In a period of less than 6 months she has built a large referral base and a busy part-time practice. Emily is now working in private practice and corporate health in locations around South-East and Far-North QLD, and delivers nutrition education presentations and workshops, with topics including healthy eating and optimal nutrition, reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, sports nutrition and performance.

Click here to watch Emily’s videos about a career in dietetics.

Mitch Peterman – BHlthSc(Nutr&Diet)(Hons)/BAppSc(HMS)(Hons), APD, AEP, ESSAM

Mitch graduated from Queensland University of Technology(QUT) in 2011 with a double degree in Nutrition & Dietetics and Human Movement Studies. Throughout his university degree, Mitch gained practical experience working in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, community clinics and schools. He has been working as an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Accredited Exercise Physiologist at Merendi Health & Wellness since January 2012. Prior to this he was working as an Exercise Scientist running various Fitness Classes with Merendi Health & Wellness.

Mitch is passionate about helping people achieve better health through good nutrition and regular physical activity. He has a particular interest in providing advice on conditions that can be managed through both diet and exercise. Outside of work, Mitch enjoys playing touch football, going to the beach and spending time with family and friends.

Click here to watch Mitch’s videos about a career in dietetics.

Prof Sandra Capra – AM, PhD (Qld), MSocSc, BSc(Hons), Dip Nutr&Diet, AdvAPD, FDAA

Professor Sandra Capra joined the Faculty of Health at the University of Queensland in 2008 as a Professor of Nutrition, and is now also the Coordinator of the Postgraduate Program in Dietetics. She received her BSc(Hons) and Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics from Sydney University, her MSocSc from the University of Birmingham and her PhD from the University of Queensland. After more than 15 years in professional practice in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and New Zealand Prof Capra entered academia full time.

Professor Capra’s research interests focus on nutrition and dietetics practice, food and nutrition policy and quality outcomes for food and nutrition services in a variety of settings. Much of her work focuses on the development of tools to use in practice and developing systems for quality improvements and outcomes measurements of service delivery. This includes nutrition service delivery models, best practice, tools development, measurement in dietetics and outcomes research in dietetics.

Professor Capra has a strong commitment to allied health professions and has served three terms as National President of the Dietitians Association of Australia, has been a member of the Council of Pro Vice Chancellors and Deans of Health Sciences and served on many national policy making. She is currently serving her second four year term as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the International Confederation of Dietetic Associations. Professor Capra is on the board of Health Workforce Australia, an organisation which will address the challenges of providing a skilled, innovative health workforce that meets the needs of the Australian community. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2003 for her contribution to community health, nutrition and dietetics education.

Click here to watch Professor Capra’s videos about a career in dietetics.

Dr Maree Ferguson – PhD, AdvAPD, MBA

Maree is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian and is an internationally renowned nutrition and dietetics expert. Maree is currently the Director Nutrition and Dietetics, Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. She has held leadership positions both within the Dietitians Association of Australia and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly American Dietetic Association). Maree developed the Malnutrition Screening Tool to identify patients at risk of malnutrition. Her innovative malnutrition screening tool has been implemented in many hospitals worldwide.

Maree is an invited speaker at national and international dietetic conferences. She has received more than $1 million in research grant funding and authored over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles. She is a reviewer for many international nutrition and dietetics journals. Maree has been awarded the Dietitian’s Association of Australia National Award of Merit and the President’s Innovation Award. She also received an Australia Day Achievement Award in 2011.

Maree received her Graduate Diploma of Nutrition and Dietetics and Doctoral degrees from Queensland University of Technology and Masters in Business Administration from Franklin University in the USA. In 2012 Maree launched Dietitian Connection, the essential link for nutrition leaders, and resources can be viewed at www.dietitianconnection.com

Articles by Maree on My Health Career:

The career progression of superstar dietitian Maree Ferguson (and no, Maree didn’t give her article that title – we did)!
What to do if you just graduated and can’t find a dietitian job

Megan Ariotti – BApSc(Food Science), BHlthSc(Nutr&Diet)

Megan is an accredited practising dietitian (APD) with the Dietitians’ Association of Australia. She completed a degree in nutrition and dietetics at the Queensland University of Technology in 2005 following on from a bachelor of food science and nutrition at the University of Queensland in 2003.

Megan has worked in a variety of clinical and community dietetic positions, including a year as a community dietitian in London. She is now a Senior Dietitian at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane; specialising in critical illness, parenteral nutrition, and the management of nutritional supplements to patients at home.

Megan has a keen interest in clinical dietetics in particular gastroenterology, surgical, and intensive care. She is passionate about patient care and improving service delivery.

Click here to watch Megan’s videos about a career in dietetics.

Bonnie Lau – BHlthSci(Nutr&Diet)(Hons)

Bonnie graduated from Nutrition & Dietetics at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2012. She finished high school in 2007 and completed a semester of landscape architecture before her decision to become a dietitian. Bonnie had a diverse range of experiences in her university placements, from a small private hospital and a community health centre in Brisbane, New Zealand’s largest hospital in Auckland, and two hospitals in Vietnam for her research project.

Bonnie is looking forward to starting a job as a clinical dietitian in Singapore General Hospital in early 2012. She is passionate about clinical dietetics and research, and aspires to empower people and advocate for healthy lifestyle behaviours at an individual and broader level. Bonnie has a keen interest in the nutritional management of chronic lifestyle diseases, particularly chronic kidney disease. She enjoys understanding and embracing different cultures while optimising clients’ health in a holistic approach.

Bonnie’s articles on My Health Career:

Click here to watch Bonnie’s videos about a career in dietetics.

Medicine

Dr Judith O’Malley-Ford MBBS (Qld), JP(Q), MPH, FRACGP

Judith became interested in a career in medicine after reading a book on physiology as a school girl. She graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, and went on the complete a Master of Public Health on the “Public policy and procedures in asthma management for children in schools.” Judith became a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners when she completed her training at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane.

Judith is the author of the Australian Medical Dictionary, published in 2008 by New Holland Publishers Australia and The Medical Dictionary of conditions and diseases, published by New Holland Publishers UK in 2012. She is also the author of The Secret Stalker of the Prostate, published in 2016.

Judith has held positions of Medial Superintendent of the Queensland Spastic Welfare League, Medical Officer in Community Paediatrics for the Department of Child Health, Medical Officer of SCAN (child protection), Medical Co-coordinator to the Medical Board of Queensland where her role was to investigate and co-ordinate investigation on behalf of the Medical Board of Queensland, as well developing a monitoring program for Impaired Medical Practitioners, and facilitate drafting of a revision of the Medial Act for the State of Queensland. She has also held the position of Medical Superintendent of the Mater Adult Hospital in Brisbane, and worked with Molescan, the Skin Cancer Clinic organization that provides you and your family with skin cancer risk assessments, testing and treatments. While at Molescan, she became proficient in diagnosing and excision of skin cancers and problematic skin legions. She is currently working as a full time General Practitioner.

Click here to watch Dr O’Malley-Ford’s videos about a career in medicine.

Dr. Gerry Considine BMBS BBioMedSci(Hons) DCH

Dr. Gerry Considine is currently working as a rural General Practitioner in regional South Australia. In 2013, Gerry taught undergraduate medicine at Adelaide University, conducted research into solo rural GPs and put together a series of simple GP presentation vodcasts.

He also has an interest in GP policy and reform, music and aviation. To this end, Gerry has been involved in General Practice Registrars Association (GPRA), plays in a two-piece blues rock band called Stomp The Orange and has gained his pilot certificate. Gerry is passionate about rural General Practice and is keen to work and advocate for it on a national level in the future.

Click here to watch Dr Considine’s videos about a career in medicine.

Mimi Le – BMedSc, MBBS

Mimi completed her senior studies at high school in 2006. She sat the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) and also was successful in an interview. She entered Griffith University’s Bachelor of Medical Science (MBBS Provisional Entry for School-Leavers) in 2007, and the Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery in 2009.

At the time of filming Mimi’s interview, she had completed all of the formal assessment in her 4 year MBBS, and was spending her last 5 months doing elective rotations. She was looking forward to a one-month rotation at the Cho Ray Hospital, the largest hospital in HoChi Minh City in Vietnam. Mimi has enjoyed the variety of her experiences throughout her medical training and is looking forward to completing her internship.

Click here to watch Dr Le’s videos about a career in medicine.

Nursing

Professor Brett Aimers

Since 2013 Brett has held positions involving the provision of advice on disaster preparadeness, emergency response, and incident response in the Victorian government. Previously, Brett has been the Chief Professional Officer with St John Ambulance Australia. This was a national leadership role with responsibility for maintenance and enhancement of a patient safety and quality care environment, the development of national guidelines and the provision of national-level advice and guidance relating to practice and training.

Brett commenced his career as a Registered Nurse, and holds with post-graduate qualifications in critical care, clinical education and management. Since becoming a nurse in 1999, Brett has worked in a variety of environments including respiratory care, adult and paediatric intensive care, clinical education, workforce development and management.

Brett is a Fellow of the Australian College of Nursing and is an Adjunct Associate Professor with James Cook University where he provides expert advice and Masters level education on emergency management, disaster health and emerging national policy trends.

Brett has an extensive emergency management background which includes policy development, State and National level planning and performing senior operational roles including during the Victorian heatwave emergency, the H1N1 pandemic and the 2011 Queensland floods. He played a significant role throughout the Victorian Black Saturday bushfires and was awarded the National Emergency Medal for his efforts in helping to coordinate the whole-of-health response. Brett has previously been involved in a multi-national project, led by the World Health Organisation, exploring global best practice associated with operating a public health Emergency Operations Centre.

Article by Brett on My Health Career:

Nursing: a calling and a fantastic profession

Laurie Bickhoff RN

Laurie graduated from the University of Newcastle with a Bachelor or Nursing in 2012, and as the nursing student with the highest grade point average, was awarded the Prize for Nursing. She is currently completing an honours research project on demonstrations of moral courage by undergraduate nursing students.

In 2012, Laurie was chosen as one of five participants to be involved in the Australian College of Nursing’s Emerging Nurse Leader program. The 3 year program mentors early career nurses to develop skills in communication, team development, business acumen, lobbying, presentation skills, research skills and project management.

In 2013, Laurie completed the new graduate transition to practice program in the Greater Newcastle Cluster, at the Royal Newcastle Centre and John Hunter Hospital. In 2014 she completed a transition to specialty practice program in cardiology at Belmont District Hospital and John Hunter Hospital.

Laurie has written articles for publications for organisations including the Australian College of Nursing, Nursing Review and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal. She is actively engaged with social media and has presented on this topic at international and national nursing conferences. Laurie has given guest lectures for nursing students at the University of Newcastle and Queensland University of Technology and in 2014 launched her own blog, Defining Nursing.

Laurie’s articles on My Health Career:

Shelley Straw RN

Shelley is a specialist ear nurse and the principal nurse of Crystal Clear Ears, a private clinic devoted to micro-suction aural toilet. This is used for removal of earwax, foreign bodies & Otitis Externa cleaning. Shelley established the business (the first of its kind in Australia) in early 2008 in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, based on similar clinics in New Zealand.

Shelley worked at the Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital for over 25 years in management positions including Unit Manager, Deputy Director Nursing, & After Hours coordinator. These roles covered policy development, risk, project & contract management, nursing human resource & financial management, and clinical pathway development amongst others.

Qualifications:

Div 1 Nurse training Alfred Hospital,
BSc Nursing, La Trobe Uni,
Cert.Ophthalmic & ENT nursing, RVEEH.
Post Grad Cert. Human Resource Management, Swinburne.
Affiliations: Member RCNA, ANF, OHNNG.

Articles by Shelley on My Health Career:

Brad Winter RN

Brad graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing from the Queensland University of Technology in 2011. He also holds a Bachelor of Business, graduating in 2006 from Latrobe University.

Brad completed a graduate nursing year at the Royal Darwin Hospital in the Northern Territory where he worked in Oncology, Neurology and the Emergency Department. Brad returned to Brisbane in 2013 where he commenced a career in Aged Care Nursing.

Throughout his study, Brad has been interested in the education sector. In 2011 he participated in the High School Visits Program run annually by Health Workforce NT visiting schools in Katherine and Nhulunbuy in the NT. Brad also volunteered as a nurse in a small village in Nepal in his final year of his nursing degree.

Currently Brad works full time as an aged care nurse in central Brisbane with his role encompassing education and staff development.

Brad’s articles on My Health Career:

Gail Timms RN

Gail completed her nursing studies at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne. Upon completing her studies, she initially worked as a nurse in the Royal District Nursing Service in Melbourne, and moved on to roles as a Clinical Nurse Co-ordinator and then a Community Liaison Officer over her 20 years in this organisation.

From 1992-1999 Gail was the Clinical Nurse Manager for St Luke’s Nursing Service in Brisbane. She managed and co-ordinated the care of approximately 200-250 clients, families and carers in the Brisbane North Health Region.

In the latter stages of her nursing career, Gail worked part-time for Blue Care as a Clinical Nurse, and also on a casual basis as a Health Assessment Nurse in a Medical Centre. Gail was then employed by Queensland Health Community Nursing as a Discharge Facilitator at Caboolture Hospital then as a Clinical Service Coordinator Community Health North Lakes.

Gail’s passion is in the area of wellness, and she has facilitated several programs in the area of preventative health, these including Fresh Start Quit Smoking Program run By Queensland Cancer Council, Easy Steps Program for 50+ and the Lighten Up to Healthy Lifestyles Choices Program.

Gail currently runs a business called Energisus where she is helping people like you and I achieve optimal level of wellness through different programs, with a vision of making Australia Healthy.

Click here to watch Gail’s videos about a career in nursing.

Sharon Armstrong – RN, MN, Grad Dip Child Health, BSc Public Health (Health Visiting, CCE)

Sharon became a registered nurse in 1992 and qualified as a Child Health Nurse in 1996. She completed a Masters of Nursing in 1998 after writing a thesis on the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In 2010, Sharon passed the International Board of Lactation Consultants Exam. She is also a qualified Childbirth Educator. Throughout her career, Sharon has worked in the area of child health in the Middle East, the UK and Australia.

Sharon is a pioneer in the private sector of health services, and has set up a practice on Brisbane’s north side, which is based around supporting families in improving their physical and emotional health. She personally provides coaching for parents of young children in the areas of sleep, feeding and child behaviour. The practice also offers treatments by massage therapists, chiropractors and an acupuncturist, as well as consultations with a conception coach and a naturopath. Wow!!

Click here to watch videos about a career in nursing.

Occupational Therapy

Professor Sylvia Rodger – B.Occ.Thy., M.Ed.St., PhD

Sylvia Rodger passed away due to ovarian cancer in 2017. Sylvia was a Professor in the Division of Occupational Therapy within the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The University of Queensland. She had vast experience in the field of occupational therapy as a clinician, academic and researcher.

Sylvia had particular expertise in the area of paediatric occupational therapy. This involved working with children with developmental, motor and learning difficulties and those on the autistic spectrum. Sylvia held a Masters of Educational Studies in the area of Special Education, and completed a PhD in Occupational Therapy and Education in 1996. She was awarded a Fellowship of the American Occupational Therapy Association Academy of Research in 2013.

Sylvia was the author of over 140 journal articles, and gave over 140 conference presentations. She was on the editorial boards of British Journal of Occupational Therapy, Occupational Therapy in Early Intervention, Preschools and Schools, and Physical and Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics. Sylvia had also attracted over $2.5 million in competitive research grant funding, and published four books and contributed to 24 books. She also completed a review of the Occupational Therapy Australia competencies for Australian occupational therapists.

Click here to watch Professor Rodger’s videos about a career in occupational therapy.

Linda Rylands — B. OccThy

Linda completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 2002 at the University of Queensland. She has had 5 years experience in mental health and has spent the last 5 years exploring the role of occupational therapists in facilitating occupational transitions for migrants and refugees.

Linda has travelled extensively, and has had personal experience of being an ‘outsider’ in a new country. Linda joined the Occupational Opportunities for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (OOFRAS) dialogue, which progressed to gaining a role working at a lead settlement service for refugees in Brisbane. As well as effectively implementing the OT perspective in a case management role, she also supervised several occupational therapy student projects and committed to build the profile of OT role within this specialty area.

Linda currently works in Queensland Health at the Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre. She is passionate to explore the fusion of Anthropology and OT frameworks in practice and is currently completing a Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology and Peace/Conflict Studies) at the University of Queensland.

Click here to watch Linda’s videos about a career in occupational therapy.

Michelle Maclean — B. OccThy, Grad. Dip OH&S, Grad. Dip Ergonomics

Michelle graduated with from the University of Queensland in 1997 with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and has over 25 years experience working as an occupational therapist in Australia and the United Kingdom. She also holds two post-graduate qualifications:

a Graduate Diploma of Occupational Health and Safety (Health Management), which she completed in 2001, and
a Graduate Diploma of Ergonomics, which she completed in 2011.

Michelle commenced her career in a large tertiary hospital environment in a rotation position, and gained experience working in a range of multidisciplinary team environments including orthopaedics, rehabilitation, vascular, oncology ward and intensive care. She also has 10 years experience working in various roles at WorkCover Queensland in their statutory and common law divisions. This has enabled her to develop unique skills that she can apply to industry, employee and injured worker populations across a broad range of injury groups.

Michelle has skills in workers compensation, life insurance, income protection, self-insurance and CTP schemes across a broad range of industries including transport, mining, manufacturing and retail. As a result of her industry knowledge, Michelle was invited to deliver lectures to occupational therapy students at the University of Queensland. She is also currently working with Q-COMP as the Regional Network Program representative for the Metropolitan area.

Michelle has a special interest in catastrophic and serious injuries and is skilled in all areas of discharge planning from equipment, home modifications, medical management and community participation. With Ergonomic and Occupational Health and Safety skills, Michelle is a positive communicator with a history of achieving successful outcomes on challenging return to work, suitable duties and host employment claims. Michelle has developed a working relationship with many medical specialists and ensures early and proactive communication is undertaken to achieve successful return to work outcomes.

Click here to watch Michelle’s videos about a career in occupational therapy.

Amy Geach — B. AllHlth (OccThy), M. ClinSci (Hand and Upper Limb Therapy)

Amy graduated from the University of Sydney in 2000 and completed her Masters in Clinical Science (Hand and Upper Limb Therapy) in 2007 from Curtin University in Perth. She has also undertaken additional post-graduate training in small business management and lymphoedema treatment. This academic knowledge, coupled with her 12 years experience in the hand therapy industry and as a business owner has established her as an ambassador for increasing awareness of hand therapy and treatment for hand injuries and upskilling others in hand therapy. Amy is also a well respected therapist and practice owner, always willing and able to help, support and provide advice around managing a business and allied-health practice.

Amy is a business owner, entrepreneur, occupational therapist, hand therapist specialist, an educator and motivational speaker.

She is the proud owner of three businesses:

Riverina Hand Therapy, a traditional hand therapy practice that focuses hand wrist and arm injuries and ailments.
Riverina Kids Therapy, an occupational therapy service for children of all ages who require additional support for their development in areas such as fine motor, sensory processing, motor planning and school readiness
Maida Learning, which provides support, resources and education to allied health private practice directors, and clinical education that is modern, easily accessible, relevant and Australian.

Amy’s dedication to her profession and building a business has seen her invited to speak at national and international conferences, and present at business development sessions and webinars. In 2010, Amy won Wagga Wagga Professional Business Woman of the Year, and in 2012 took out the Wagga Wagga Crow Award for Most Outstanding Business..

Click here to watch Amy’s videos about a career in occupational therapy.

Optometry

Amy Fortescue – B.Optom/BSc.(Hons) UNSW

Amy finished Year 12 in 2005, and went straight into optometry at the University of New South Wales in 2006. She was in the cohort of students who completed the first 5 year optometry program at UNSW. Amy graduated with Honours in 2010, and has been practising at Eye Q Optometrists at Ramsgate Beach in Sydney since this time.

Amy’s ‘number one’ piece of advice to future optometrists is to start working in an optometry practice before you graduate in a capacity as a receptionist or assistant. This is closely followed by her ‘number two’ piece of advice, which is to find an optometrist who is willing to mentor you upon your graduation.

Amy has an interest in children’s vision as she enjoys the holistic approach taken by behavioural optometrists. She is keen to specialize in children’s vision after she grows her experience as a clinical optometrist.

Click here to watch Amy’s videos about a career in optometry.

Jason Holland – Optometrist – B.App.Sci.(Hons) QUT

Jason graduated from Queensland University of Technology’s School of Optometry in 1994 with honours. He spent the first 6 years of his career as a locum optometrist for the Optical Superstore in practices throughout Australia. In 2000, he began part-time work with Dr Andrew Apel, a Brisbane-based ophthalmologist who specializes in the eye’s anterior segment (i.e. the front of the eye). Jason now plays an integral role in the patient’s pre- and post- operative management.

In 2002, Jason’s role at The Optical Superstore advanced to the point where he now manages the optometrists for the Optical Superstore nationally. He frequently recruits newly graduated optometrists to join his team of over 90 optometrists nationally.

In 2011, Jason was invited to be on Deakin University’s Advisory Board when they were compiling the optometry program. He gave advice on key issues such as clinical placements, and, in 2012, Deakin University started its optometry course with 72 student enrolments.

Click here to watch Jason’s videos about a career in optometry.

Jonathan McCorriston – B.AppSci(Optom)

Jonathan is an award-winning optometrist. In 2010, he was the recipient of the Eyecare Plus Professional Recognition Award for achieving the highest standards of practice. This prize included further training in the optical industry in Paris!!

Jonathan began his optometry studies as a mature age student at Queensland University of Technology in 2003 after a career in the retail and manufacturing industries. He had also run his own window covering business. During the course of study at QUT, he developed a keen interest in specialty, custom-made contact lenses and has pursued this area since graduating in 2006. He is a member of the Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia and the Orthokeratology Society of Oceania.

Jonathan has completed training for certification as a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) designated, meaning that he will be able to complete vision assessments for people in the aviation industry. He also provides care for patients with reduced vision and is passionate about helping his patients to understand their vision and look after their eye health.

Click here to watch Jonathan’s videos about a career in optometry.

Michael Hare – Dip.AppSci(Optom) FAAO DPA Grad.Cert.(Ocular Therapeutics)

Queensland Optometrist of the Year in 2002, Michael commenced practice as an optometrist in Southport on the Gold Coast in 1977. He was a councillor for the Queensland Division of the Optometrists Association Australia for over 20 years, and State President from 1992-1994, as well as National Vice President from 1994 – 1999.

Michael has been a participant in the teaching of optometry students at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) through lecturing and as a clinical supervisor. He continues to offer training placement opportunities for students enrolled at optometry schools in Australia.

Michael has published widely in optometric publications and is the recipient of awards in international optometry clinical photography competitions. He was one of the first Queensland optometrists to receive an Ocular Therapeutics qualification.

Michael is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and a member of the National Vision Research Institute, The Australian College of Optometry and the Australian Optometric Panel. His international humanitarian aid missions have seen him provide eye care to the people of Western Samoa, and the Federated States of Micronesia.

Click here to watch Michael’s videos about a career in optometry.

Raymond (Ray) Fortescue – BOptom(Hons), FCLSA, AAICD

After graduating as an optometrist, Ray began practising in Ramsgate Beach, Sydney in 1979, and by 1981 was the owner of the practice. He has built the practice from a small, part-time 30sqm practice to a 200sqm practice with three optometrists, and continues to practice at Ramsgate Beach on a full-time basis.

In the late 90’s, Ray worked with Tony Hanks as the first optometrist to join the Eyecare Plus group of optometry practices in Australia. This brand grew to encompass over 150 practices, and, in 2007, a sub-group of these practices was formed under a new entity Eyecare Partners Limited. Ray is the Executive Chairman of Eyecare Partners, which raised $4.795 million in its public offer. As at early 2012, there were 34 optometry practices trading as ‘Eye Q Optometrists’ within this group. Eyecare Partners gives its participating practitioners a blend of corporate business support while encouraging the highest standards in eye care.

Clinically, Ray has a particular interest in contact lenses. He has been involved with the Cornea and Contact Lens Research Unit (CCLRU) and also in clinical trials before new contact lenses are released into the marketplace. He was one of the first Australian practitioners to be offering ortho-keratology to his patients, which is an alternative to wearing contact lenses during the day.

Click here to watch Ray’s videos about a career in optometry.

Pharmacy

Professor Lisa Nissen (BPharm, PhD) – FPS, FHKAPh, FSHP

In September 2022 Lisa was appointmed as Director of the Research Program in the Health Workforce Optimization project at The University of Queensland.

In December 2012, Dr Lisa Nissen was appointed the Head of School at the School of Clinical Sciences at Queensland University of Technology. The School was made up of the disciplines of pharmacy, podiatry, paramedic science and medical radiation science. Prior to this, she was an Associate Professor at the University of Queensland’s School of Pharmacy.

Lisa has over 25 years experience in a number of facets of pharmacy, having worked in hospital and community pharmacies in both rural and metropolitan settings, as well as in her current role as an academic.

In 2002, Lisa was awarded Australian Young Pharmacist of the Year by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA). In 2008 she was awarded the Australian Pharmacist of the Year. Lisa is the only recipient of both awards.

In 2008, Lisa received an Australian Learning and Teaching Council National University excellence in teaching award. Lisa is an Honorary Fellow of the Hong Kong Academy of Pharmacy, a Fellow of the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia and a Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. Lisa is the current president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (QLD) Branch.

Lisa’s research focuses on two areas, the first being the Quality Use of Medicines in the wider community. Lisa was engaged by the organisation now known as Health Workforce Australia to be the principal investigator for the Health Professionals Prescribing Pathway Project. The aim of this project is to develop a nationally consistent approach to the prescribing of medicines by non medical practitioners.

Lisa’s second area of focus in research is on the expansion of roles for pharmacists, including development of pharmacy practice into other cognitive service delivery areas including sleep, pain and pharmacist prescribing. Lisa’s specific clinical interest is in the management of chronic pain.

Click here to watch Dr Nissen’s videos about a career in pharmacy.

Jack Hammond – Pharmacist – B.Pharm, M.Pharm

Jack completed his Masters of Pharmacy at Griffith University on the Gold Coast in 2006, and it was during the course of his study that he developed an interest in compounding medicines. He completed his pre-registration year in a compounding pharmacy and in 2007, went on to manage Broadbeach Pharmacy.

Jack has completed the Professional Compounding Chemists of Australia (PCCA) courses in Pharmacist training, Veterinary compounding, and Nutritional Compounding courses. In 2011, he was invited to speak at the ACCP conference and educated fellow pharmacists on the topic of ‘Setting Up A Successful Compounding Lab’.

In 2009, Jack purchased what is now Broadbeach Amcal Chempro Compounding Chemist, and has expanded the business through excellence in marketing and customer service. Jack regularly speaks at seminars for hormone replacement, weight loss and compounding. He also liaises with doctors and veterinarians to ensure the most appropriate compounded formulations and preparations are prescribed. Jack has since sold the pharmacy and founded ACPharm, a purpose built facility for compounding only.

Click here to watch Jack’s videos about a career in pharmacy.

Dr Christopher Freeman BPharm, GDipClinPharm, AACPA, BCACP, PhD

Christopher was awarded the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s “Young Pharmacist of the Year” in 2011 in recognition for his commitment to integrating pharmacists as part of the primary health care team. He has worked at the Camp Hill Medical Centre in Brisbane since 2009, in a role where he ensures the quality use of medicines by performing Home Medicines Reviews for patients of the practice. Christopher has also guided other pharmacists throughout Australia to work in this innovative way.

Since 2010, Christopher has published papers based around integrating pharmacists into general practice clinics. He has been published in the highly regarded International Journal of Pharmacy Practice. Christopher has also presented his research findings at conferences, and submitted his PhD in late 2012. He became a supervisor of his first PhD student in 2013. He graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Pharmacy in 2003, has completed a graduate diploma in clinical pharmacy, and has experience in community and hospital pharmacy.

Dr Freeman became the national vice president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia in July 2016, and was later appointed to the role of national president of the organisation.

Click here to watch Dr Freeman’s videos about a career in pharmacy.

Physiotherapy

Rory Barlow – B. Physiotherapy

Rory graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from The University of Queensland in 2010, he attained a New Graduate Physiotherapist position in 2011 at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and in 2012 Rory was made a full-time permanent Physiotherapist.

In his time as a Physiotherapist Rory has worked in many fields of Physiotherapy. He was worked in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors and patients with brain injuries, he has independently ran outpatient clinics in rural towns in the Southern Downs of Queensland, and has spent time treating amputee patients in the first days post amputation.

Subsequent to his career as a clinical physiotherapist, Rory has worked in Queensland Health as a Clinical and Business Analyst, at EY as a Senior Consultant and Manager, and as Principal of the Queensland Treasury Corporation.

Click here to watch Rory’s videos about a career in physiotherapy.

Richard Newton – BAppSc(Physio), Masters of Sports Physio

Richard is an Associate Professor at the School of Physiotherapy at Bond University on the Gold Coast. He has been a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Sports Physiotherapy Group since 1991, and completed his Masters of Sports Physiotherapy in 1999. He received a sports physiotherapy award from the Australian Physiotherapy Association in 1999.

Throughout his career, he has been involved with the Brisbane Bears and Gold Coast Suns AFL teams, the Gold Coast Rollers NBL and Gold Coast Cougars basketball teams, the Gold Coast Breakers rugby union team, the Southport Netball Association and the Southport Surf Life Saving Club. As well as his work at Bond University, Richard is currently in private practice on the Gold Coast.

Click here to watch Richard’s videos about a career in physiotherapy.

Podiatry

Shay McClurg – Podiatrist

Shay has contributed greatly to the profession of podiatry in Australia. She was president of the Queensland branch of the Australian Podiatry Association from 1993-2000, and in 1997 served on the Health Rights Advisory Committee. Shay has also been a member of the Podiatrists’ Registration Board, and the national representative for podiatry services with a major private health insurer.

Shay started her first podiatry clinic in 1989, and now owns four clinics in south-east Queensland. After practising near a dance school, she saw a need to develop the invention which she patented as ‘Arch Angels’. These are flexible insoles for dancers, and are sought after by dancers all over the world.

Shay studied podiatry as a mature age student after a career in nursing. She was attracted to the profession of podiatry because she saw the possibility of providing individual care to her patients, and, in particular, spending as much time as she felt was necessary for each patient to achieve the best results. She is passionate about helping people with their foot and lower limb conditions as she is well aware of the impact these problems can have on people’s lives.

Click here to watch Shay’s videos about a career in podiatry.

Psychology

Dr Rebecca Ray – Clinical Psychologist

Dr Rebecca Ray is a clinical psychologist, freelance writer, and blogger. She studied at Griffith University and at the University of Newcastle. Rebecca holds a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology and completed her thesis on posttraumatic stress disorder in Veterans. She specialises in the treatment of trauma (especially with Veterans and current serving defence force personnel, and members of QLD and NSW Police Services), depression, anxiety and personal development and the use of mindfulness-based approaches, particularly Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Rebecca’s articles on My Health Career:

Mark Korduba – BA Psych (Hons) M (OrgPsych) MAPS

Mark commenced a Bachelor of Arts with a double-major in psychology at the University of Queensland in 2002. He went on to complete a Masters of Organisational Psychology in 2007. During his time at university, he ran a high-school tutoring business, and, following in the footsteps of his high school tutor, taught students not just about their school subjects, but also about the tools for success in life.

At the time of studying for his Masters qualification, Mark tutored 1^st and 2^nd psychology subjects at university, worked with a training consultancy (ODR), and then as a Project Officer in the area of Organisational Development with Brisbane City Council. He also worked for Hudson, a large multi-national consultancy company in outplacement services. In 2008, on graduation from tertiary study, Mark worked for the City of Westminster in central London as an Organisational Development Advisor for one year, and returned to Australia following the Global Financial Crisis.

Mark recalls saying that he wanted to be a ‘businessman’ from an early age, but did not know at the time how that may become a part of his future. In 2009, Mark returned to Brisbane and set up his own Psychology practice. He has worked extensively in the areas of anger management, depression and anxiety and relationship counselling, and adolescent health. In 2019 Mark founded Positive Moods, an NDIS provider of counselling and behaviour support plans for NDIS participants.

Click here to watch Mark’s videos about a career in psychology.

Tric Gibson – Psychologist MAPS

Tric’s love of learning led her from her initial profession of school teaching, into focused, in-depth study about how we learn, and hence her continued study in the field of psychology. Tric first registered as a psychologist in the early 1980s and has been practicing in varied roles since this time. She has also studied neuro-linguistic programming and is a trained mediator.

Tric has developed particular expertise in the area of corporate training. Tric has run many programs to improve communication and productivity in corporate environments. This has included “Speaking and Presentation Mastery” training.

Tric has supervised psychology students in a clinical setting, and ensures that the client receives high quality care, and the student high quality coaching. She was one of the founding practitioners of a holistic medical practice in Brisbane’s inner-west. Tric often co-manages her clients with general practitioners and other health professionals to ensure that the mind and body are working cohesively for a healthy outcome. Tric has written an e-book called “The 10 Un-Commandments of Work/Life Balance”, which is a must-read for anyone who wants a happier, balanced and more productive life.

Click here to watch Tric’s videos about a career in psychology.