Alex graduated from the Master of Public Health in 2019.

Why did you choose to study public health with Menzies?
I moved to Darwin in 2012 looking for a new challenge after working for several years in clinical and research jobs in NSW. After commencing employment as a public health nutritionist working with remote communities in the Top End, I discovered that my training in nutrition and dietetics had only partially equipped me for the role. I realised that my job required a strong understanding of the historical, political, social and environmental factors that impact health. I decided to undertake further study and decided on a public health degree with a strong focus on Indigenous health.

Why did you choose to study through Menzies?
I enrolled in this degree due to the excellent feedback from work colleagues who were undertaking study with Menzies. I emailed the Menzies team to enquire about the course and incredibly helpful staff quickly responded and provided the information I was after. They also help to map out a pathway so that I could complete the degree part time while working. Through my job I had also worked with several passionate academics who worked with Menzies who also sold me on studying with them!

What qualification did you graduate from Menzies with?
Master of Public Health

Have your studies with Menzies led to further study, and if so what course are you enrolled in or have you completed?
Not yet, however I am considering applying for the Master of Applied Epidemiology in 2021

What were the highlights of your studies with Menzies?
Some of the highlights included: learning from academics who had excellent first-hand understanding of the NT context, being able to choose from a broad range of subjects on offer, and the ability to link my work interests with study. Another highlight was the interactions with other students who came from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. The online discussions and during lectures greatly enhanced my learning.

Has your public health qualification opened up career opportunities?
The knowledge and skills gained from studying public health with Menzies were critical for my role as a public health nutritionist. However, studying subjects such as health policy, public health decision-making and global health opened my eyes to other areas of health and motivated me to work in broader public health and policy focused roles.

What is your role/position now?
I now work as a senior policy officer in the Strategy, Policy and Planning branch of the NT Department of Health. Over the past few months I have joined the Pandemic Coordination Cell/Public Health Directorate and have utilised the skills gained through my Master of Public Health to assist with the NT COVID-19 response. Subjects such as epidemiology and biostatistics have really helped me be more effective in this role.