Professor Susan Nancarrow

Susan Nancarrow Chief Executive Officer / Founder  | HealthWork International Adjunct Professor | Southern Cross University Susan is an allied health professional, health services researcher, recovering academic and aspiring entrepreneur. She founded HealthWork International in 2021 to work with industry and the health professions to find new and innovative ways to shape the health workforce to better meet the needs of the 21st century.

Presentation

Empowering Allied Health Entrepreneurs

In this presentation, Susan will explore how allied health professionals (AHPs) can break out of traditional career paths and create new opportunities that align with their interests and passions. As AHPs, we have the potential to explore diverse and innovative pathways that can lead to fulfilling careers and better outcomes for our patients and communities.

One of the most common concerns voiced by AHPs is a lack of career development opportunities. In response, Susan will share real-life examples of innovative AHPs who have re-imagined their roles and skills to create new business or career opportunities. She will explore the journeys these individuals have taken and the lessons they have learned along the way, highlighting the possibilities that exist for those who are willing to think outside the box.

Through this presentation, you will discover how to leverage your existing skills and knowledge to create new and exciting career opportunities. You will learn about the benefits of diversifying your skill set, networking, and staying abreast of emerging trends in the industry. Whether you’re looking to start your own business, work in a non-traditional AHP role, or simply explore new career possibilities, this presentation will provide you with the insights and inspiration you need to take your career to the next level.

So, join Susan as we explore the exciting and innovative possibilities that exist for AHPs who are ready to re-imagine their roles and skills.

Workshop

Allied Health Roles: Driving Change

Every health profession is currently grappling with shortages. Compounded by a complex health care system and a unique context of global circumstances, there is an imperative to look at solving existing workforce shortages with new and different solutions.

What these changes entail and the forms they take need to be carefully considered.

This workshop will highlight the individual and structural factors that unconsciously inhibit workforce capacity, explore opportunities and drivers for change, and consider some blue-sky thinking to enable the allied health workforce to be optimised to its full capacity to best meet patient needs.

Key learning Objectives:

• Explore provocative ideas around mindset and our normative understanding of the allied health workforce
• Reflect on the barriers that stifle workforce efficiency and effectiveness
• Challenge your own ideas about role expectations and capabilities
• Build the structures to maximise the skillset of the allied health workforce
• Create the environment that enables allied health professionals to flourish
• Consolidate emerging ideas into tangible strategies that can enhance the way that allied health professionals contribute to the health and wellbeing of our populations.

Workshop

How to co-create an allied health workforce plan to build locally meaningful actions

Co-Presenting with Dr Sue Fitzpatrick

Allied Health Workforce Planning is now occurring across many states. Planning at a local health district level is inconsistent with few dedicated workforce resources for data analysis and clinician consultation.

This workshop connects participants with experienced allied health workforce leaders and a workforce planning tool to have a practical way of creating their own local allied health workforce plans.

Participants will learn:

• Inputs required
• Communication for success
• To build clinician capability & leadership
• Tangible workforce planning tool
• Look beyond numbers with a future focus on skills & potential