“I completed my graduate certificate just before the pandemic hit. And when it hit, it became one of the things that was spoken about in the media every day. Perception of Public Health rose during that time and everyone's viewpoint about it became bigger. And so, I realised that I maybe had just only scratched the surface during my grad cert. I wanted to delve further into the field.”
Blending studies with your career
Tamika’s fearless decision to continue her studies is allowing her to make a powerful impact in Public Health. Now completing her Master of Public Health at Flinders, Tamika also works as a Research Officer at the Flinders International Centre for Point of Care Testing, working on the Quality Assurance for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Medical Services program.
“In the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical services, especially the really rural and remote ones, with their pathology testing sometimes the nearest lab is miles and miles away. It can take weeks to get lab results back. Our programme helps because we're putting pathology testing right there in the centres, so we can test and get results in the time of client consultation.”
Flexible learning and industry partnerships
Combining studies with work within your field is not unusual. Flinders has close relationships with industry, and the flexibility built into degrees allows students to get real-world experience no matter what degree they are studying. Tamika’s understanding of the importance of Public Health now and into the future has driven her to take a fearless step forward.
“I'm finding my fearless by going out and helping others and having the courage to do that despite any of my own misgivings or fears. Because I think it's important that we put aside our own fears to help other people in need.”
