“People caring for people” is a mission statement that rings true for Moira Finch, who this year took up her dream job as CEO of Port Macquarie Private Hospital, a service she is passionate about. Moira was appointed to the top job having worked in the hospital as Allied Health Manager and completing a postgraduate degree at the University of Tasmania in 2021, supported through a Ramsay Health Care Scholarship. We asked Moira about her Professional Honours degree in Health and Human Services, her experience of studying online, and how her course helped to propel her from Allied Health manager to her ideal job.
How did your career unfold after graduating from the University of Tasmania?
Completing the postgraduate degree at UTAS allowed me to grow my skills and capabilities. This in turn provided me with more confidence and tools to become a more effective leader. As an Allied Health Manager, I really required the extra boost to move to a new level of corporate management.
Describe your current role, what it involves, and a major career highlight to date.
I have just commenced my new role as CEO of Port Macquarie Private Hospital. This is a hospital I have worked in for over ten years. I am passionate about the team and the wonderful services we provide for our community on the mid-north coast of NSW.
What impact do you see your work having on your profession, the community, or the world in general?
Creating new leaders and watching their skill sets grow through education and transformational leadership is very satisfying. I hope to continue the growth of my team to provide empathetic and collaborative care for people as they experience hospital admission and during their stay. "People caring for people" is a Ramsay Health Care vision and there is simplicity in this mission statement.
Why did you choose your degree and what’s the single most important thing it taught you?
This degree was one of the few that appealed to me due to specific leadership skill growth. The most important thing it taught me was self-awareness of my skills and capabilities and to surround myself with diverse people in order to become a well-rounded leader.
What’s your best memory from your time at the University?
My entire degree was online and during covid, so on reflection, this was the best platform and well set up for the online learning experience.
I really enjoyed working on my capstone project with a wonderful group of students from very different degree pathways; we worked together so well on the project and our differences ensured our success.
What would be your advice to newly graduating alumni?
Be proud of your accomplishments; university degrees are a marathon event and your discipline creates your success. Stay involved and share your success stories as you may just inspire someone to grow and have a go.
Thinking about staff and fellow students, who were the biggest influences on your development during your time here?
I had some very dedicated and clever lecturers. The teaching faculty treated us with respect and were interested in the feedback at the end of a subject. Group work was entertaining and thank goodness for online meeting platforms.
Find out more about studying for a postgraduate degree in Leadership in Health and Human Services
Image: Moira Finch