Sonic Healthcare Australia Pathology

On 12 October, RCPA held their State Annual General Meeting (AGM) for Queensland in Brisbane. Members discussed various topics including the Medicare Benefits Schedule, and special guest speaker Dr Roy Axelsen, Director of the Variable Star Section of the Astronomical Association of Queensland, spoke about his research in astronomy.

This was also QLD State Committee Councillor Dr Rebecca Adams' last State AGM as she moves on to become Chief Examiner (Haematology).

The QLD State Committee awarded RCPA’s CEO Dr Debra Graves OAM with a medal to celebrate her 25 years of service as CEO at the College. Pictured above with Debra is RCPA President Dr Lawrie Bott (left) and Dr Michael Harrison, CEO of Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology.

This International Pathology Day we celebrate diversity by highlighting the diverse stories and journeys of some of those working in pathology across the country, such as Anjni from Clinipath Pathology. Her journey took her from Kenya to a rural lab in Western Australia. What a journey! Thank you for all of your ongoing hard work Anjni, and happy International Pathology Day!

Celebrating the diverse workforce in pathology today we say Happy International Pathology Day to Dr John Ciciulla who describes his decision to work in healthcare thus; "Soon after realising that I couldn't be Indiana Jones - I decided to be a doctor!"

Thanks to our Health Minister, Hon Mark Butler MP for his support on International Pathology Day, he said; “The value of pathology has been brought to the forefront during the pandemic, with the sector working around the clock to provide the testing Australians relied upon. We encourage all Australians to make sure to catch up on any testing that may have been missed throughout the last couple of years. The Albanese Government remains committed to strengthening Australia’s healthcare system and acknowledges pathology’s critical role.”

Sam has had an interesting journey to her role in pathology: "I began my career hairdressing in Toowoomba but nine years later I became a flight attendant, even though I had never even been on a plane before! Throughout my incredible twenty-two year career with Qantas I raised three beautiful children. This led to an urge to pursue a career within healthcare and I did my phlebotomy training with Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology. Within 6 years I have moved from pathology collector to collection area manager and onto my current position as a medical liaison manager for the Gold Coast.
I truly believe my life’s journey shaped me for my role today. Pathology is dynamic, ever-changing and offers a great many opportunities."
Happy International Pathology Day and thanks for sharing your story

From the Philippines to regional WA; these two dedicated pathology people were nominated by their colleague Jenny for our celebration of diversity in pathology.
Jennie-Lyn was a nurse in the Philippines and saw working in pathology as a progression of her interest in health. She has studied a Certificate IV in Laboratory skills and Pathology Collection.
Juhanna came to Australia from the Philippines in her 30s. She also enjoys the medical aspect of pathology and has studied a CertIII in Laboratory skills and a CertIV in laboratory techniques. They are now both working in the Specimen Reception area at Clinipath in Bunbury, keep up the good work J&J! 💪🤩🔬