On Tuesday 12 July (Week 1, Term 3), QAHS held a Future Health Leaders Panel, featuring esteemed panellists Dr Kate Johnston and Mr Rob Molhoek. Dr Johnston is the GP Liaison Officer for Gold Coast Health, General Practice Liaison Unit, and Mr Molhoek is the State Member for Southport, Deputy Chair Mental Health Select Committee Queensland Parliament.
The afternoon consisted of a structured panel discussion, co-ordinated by Year12 hosts Linda Yang and Charli Horchner, followed by a Q&A session with audience members. Topics of conversation included the circuitous nature of the modern career path, the day-to-day benefits and challenges of General Practitioner medicine, ways to incorporate work-life balance into a successful career, and how the constant evolution of technology is reshaping outcomes in medicine.
The event was well received by the attending QAHS students, including members of the Future Health Leaders program and Student Executive Committee. Comments by audience members are featured below:
“At the Future Health Leaders Forum Panel, we were given the opportunity to hear from two experts in the field of Health, and the insights they gave us were invaluable. Firstly, they presented a short speech about their own careers, which opened our eyes to the numerous career options and some new benefits that a career in medicine would offer. Later, I was very glad for the opportunity to ask questions to the panellists as there were a few things that I was curious about. I found the overall experience to be very rewarding and look forward to attending such events in the future!"
Sahrish Nouryan, Year 11 Student
“I really enjoyed listening to the two speakers from the Future Health Leaders Forum at the Afternoon Tea. Dr. Kate Johnston's talk about the benefits and challenges of being a GP was helpful. I also learnt about her viewpoint on how GPs generally get to know patients more personally as people and provide more comprehensive care over long periods compared to the typical surgeon. Other good advice we were told included the importance of life-long learning and asking a lot of questions during times of uncertainty."
Hong Kai Zhang, Year 11 Student
“Dr Johnston and Mr Molhoek were both insightful and experienced individuals, and again I am reminded by them that no matter where you want to be in life, whether it be a successful career or a significant achievement, there will always be a way; on the way, you should surround yourself with supportive family members and friends. THE WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER, always remember that."
Linda Yang, Year 12 Student
Kahlia Baker
Student Leadership Coordinator