University of Sydney Health students get hands-on experience

The NSW Minister for Health is one of 19 high-profile leaders in the health sector signed up to help high-achieving health students at the University of Sydney develop their leadership skills as part of a final year mentoring program.
Launched at the end of August, the Sydney Faculty of Health Sciences Leadership Mentoring program pairs selected final-year students with CEOs, senior partners and directors of public, private and not-for-profit organisations in the health sector.

Occupational Therapy student Ruby Awram said she felt extremely privileged to be paired with NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner, and looked forward to the chance to work with such a visionary and experienced mentor.
“Being a leader is about empowering others to effect change,” said Ruby who grew up in Broome, Western Australia and is interested in improving access to health services in rural and remote Australia.
“Having the opportunity to be mentored by the most senior person in health in NSW will allow me to gain a real insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the health sector, and to seek advice on how I can make a difference with my career in the future.”
The program is designed to further develop leadership skills and aspirations in students with the capacity to become future leaders in health, disability and aged care, by allowing them to shadow their mentors and get hands-on experience of the day-to-day activities of some of Australia’s most influential decision makers.
Dean of the Sydney Faculty of Health Sciences Professor Kathryn Refshauge said the program gives students an insight into how to become a true leader.
“We know that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom and an experience like this is absolutely invaluable in fostering our students’ aspirations and ambitions early in their careers.
“Our vision is to develop tomorrow’s leaders in health, and in health reform.”