Northern Health was proud to participate in the recent Careers Expo at Assumption College Kilmore. For Northern Health, it was more than just a day of presentations – it was a meaningful opportunity to connect, inspire, and share the passion behind healthcare careers.
Simone Cariss, Allied Health Workforce Manager, described the day as “a fantastic opportunity to showcase potential careers at Northern Health across Nursing, Medical, Pharmacy and Allied Health.” She noted the genuine curiosity from students, many of whom were unfamiliar with the breadth of roles within Allied Health. “There were passionate discussions around career pathways,” she said, “and students were eager to learn about professions like Speech Pathology, Dietetics, Podiatry, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Social Work. It was rewarding to see their eyes light up as they discovered new possibilities.”
The event also resonated deeply with Dr Jess Gu, who attended alongside fellow intern Dr Hong Ye. “It was incredibly rewarding,” Dr Gu shared. “Speaking with students who were considering medicine reminded me of my own journey. I wasn’t a top student in high school, but I’ve learned that persistence and self-belief can take you far. If I inspired even one student to give themselves a fighting chance, then the day was a success.”
Nursing and Midwifery were also strongly represented. Gabby Hurren, Clinical School Nurse Educator attended with Nicole Psaila, Postgraduate Program Coordinator – and Perioperative Clinical Nurse Educator, to engage students in hands-on activities. “We demonstrated CPR and manual blood pressure techniques,” she said. “The students were enthusiastic and engaged – it was a valuable opportunity to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals and give them a glimpse into the vital work nurses do.”
Pharmacy and representatives from Kilmore District Health (KDH) also contributed to the day, offering insights into their roles and the collaborative nature of healthcare. Alexandra Camilleri, Education Pharmacist said, “It was a pleasure to answer students’ questions and provide them guidance during such an important time of their lives.”
Together, the Northern Health team painted a comprehensive picture of the diverse and rewarding careers available in the health sector. “We’re incredibly grateful to have been part of this event,” said Simone. “It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do – to support, educate, and inspire the healthcare professionals of tomorrow.”