Pharmacist provides beacon of hope to health care workers navigating Covid-19

8/02/2022. By Carmelle Wilkinson.

Working on the frontline can often be an unforgiving and challenging role as Pharmacist Rebecca Chan (Pharmacy graduate, 2013) knows all too well.

While others bunkered down for another snap lockdown, Rebecca was behind the dispensary counter at her family run pharmacy in Canning Vale โ€“ ready to serve on WAโ€™s frontline.

As one of the first points of contact for people seeking health advice, Rebecca said pharmacists working in the current Covid-19 environment had overcome several challenges, including increased levels of fear and anxiety and growing abuse from customers.

Exacerbated by supply shortages and low stocks, pharmacists find themselves bearing the brunt of customers frustrations with many like Rebecca, reaching breaking point.

Teaming up with counsellor, educator and social worker Duncan Phillips, Rebecca launched MindWise Education, a series of online counselling educational videos aimed at helping pharmacists, students and health care workers diffuse difficult situations and combat fear in the workplace.

Her online videos which have generated nation-wide attention and earned her a Pharmaceutical Society of WA award for Innovation, also help people equip themselves so they can thrive professionally and personally amid the uncertainty of a global pandemic.

Pharmacist Rebecca Chan is the founder of Mindwise Education, an online counselling tool for health care workers and students.

Hi Rebecca, can you please tell me about your journey into Pharmacy? Were you always interested in pursuing a career in health care?

For me, Iโ€™ve always wanted to help people and Iโ€™ve always admired people who devote their lives to helping people. So, itโ€™s no surprise pharmacy appealed to me. Now more than ever, I can see the tremendous need for pharmacists and good health care and Iโ€™m proud to be a part of that.

Shortly after graduating from Curtin with a Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy (2013) my brother and I opened our own Pharmacy in Canning Vale (2015).

My parents were young refugees from Vietnam who migrated to Australia in 1983 and 1984, so my brother and I are first generation Australians.

They run a Japanese Shushi store in Canning Vale, and I would work there on weekends during my time at university. After my brother and I had both graduated and were early career pharmacists the property manager offered my parents a larger space to relocate their Shushi store to.

Instead of moving their business, my mother had the initiative to ask if her family could start a pharmacy and thatโ€™s where is all began.

As a community pharmacist, you get a front-row seat to people’s journey in life, including the health battles and victories. It’s a humbling and challenging experience, but also incredibly rewarding.

Rebecca Chan and her brother John Nguyen at their family’s pharmacy in Canning Vale.

The pandemic has brought with it and myriad of challenges on many levels. As a frontline worker have you experienced heightened levels of fear and anxiety in the community?

Yes. Absolutely.

Working in any human services environment isnโ€™t always easy, and this is especially true during a pandemic. The ever-changing climate throws much uncertainty in the air and for many people this causes them a great deal of stress, fear and anxiety.

Unfortunately, this transpires into anger and frustration, particularly when customers come into the pharmacy and canโ€™t find what theyโ€™re looking for โ€“ whether it be masks, hand sanitiser or their usual medication.

This can all fuel oneโ€™s emotions and cause them to lash out or act out of character.

With emotions running high, have you personally experienced any unpleasant interactions with customers?

Yes, unfortunately at the height of the pandemic in 2020 this was becoming all too regular.

We were seeing new patients from far away suburbs rushing around going into pharmacies searching for supplies. There was a lot of anxiety and aggression in the community.

Our pharmacy, like many others, faced unprecedented harassment and verbal abuse which left the team feeling vulnerable and burnt out.

I was almost at a point where it was too dangerous mentally and physically to work in pharmacy, and I wanted to put my hands up and say I quit.

Fortunately, and unfortunately for me, I help run my family’s pharmacy, so quitting wasnโ€™t an option, so I needed to find a solution for the high attrition rate of pharmacists, the burnout and workplace burden on pharmacists.

I had to remind myself my goal was to treat everyone with dignity, no matter how they treat me, but I knew I needed very clear boundaries and responses for abuse towards our team.

“Thatโ€™s when I had the idea to start MindWise Education โ€“ a series of educational counselling videos designed to help fellow pharmacists and health care workers navigate the changing environment, manage stress and deal with difficult situations.”

Why was it so vital to provide this educational tool for fellow pharmacists, health care workers and students? And why now?

I think now more than ever our frontline workers need our help.

Sadly, many health care workers neglect their own health in looking after others, so these videos were particularly important to ensure our pharmacists look after their mental health and well-being, so they are able to continue serving the community.

If we as an industry don’t provide support and education for our workforce and future frontline teams who will?

I teamed up with a group of professionals in counselling and communications and created MindWise Education, a series of online courses to help people adapt to the rapidly changing environment.

What started as a workshop in Perth with fellow start-up partner Duncan Phillips (counsellor, educator and social worker) to assist local pharmacists, quickly became an online educational tool for pharmacists not just here in WA but from around Australia.

Duncan Phillips (counsellor, educator and social worker) running a MindWise Education workshop for health care workers.

Can you please tell me more about MindWise Education and what pharmacists and participants might gain from taking part in the online courses?

The focus of the courses is to better equip people to set boundaries and work from a place of purpose and compassion, for both themselves and their patients.

We examine and identify the many challenges a pharmacist may currently be experiencing and provide useful strategies and tools to minimise and cope with the stress in the workforce.

“Although known for their resilience, pharmacists and other health care workers often donโ€™t think about their health as a priority, so these videos are a reminder that they need to take stock, take a break and address the challenges they are facing.”

The counselling courses also help people learn how to diffuse critical situations and abusive customers.

Itโ€™s been wonderful to see pharmacists working together to improve the delivery of their services and their relationship with their customers.

How has the industry changed or been affected since Covid-19? What have been some industry challenges?

In March 2020, the early stage of the pandemic saw an increase in anxiety, uncertainty and fear in the community. Pharmacists stood on the front line, being the only health profession that does not require appointments and the industry had to overcome several challenges. One major challenge was handling the heavy demand for health care by the community and reducing burnout in the industry. 

The current pandemic has also broadened the scope of pharmacy, which is quite exciting. We are now seeing vaccination clinics and pharmacies building more consultation rooms to discuss diabetes treatment, medication reviews and specialised health services in rehabilitation and pain management.

We are still working with many pharmacists and talking to industry leaders to see how we can best equip and support our pharmacists as we evolve through the pandemic. 

Rebecca Chan is week’s away from her maternity leave.

Have you experienced panic buying of late? What is the current status on stock and supply?

The current state in WA is lack of supply of N95 masks, Rapid Antigen Tests, medical devices such as oximeters, thermometers and basic over the counter medications like paracetamol.

Unlike March 2020, people are more use to stock being sold out and understand that we are waiting for both manufacturers and wholesalers to supply the community.

We are more fortunate in WA that we are not like other cities and countries right now. However, I’m sure every pharmacy is working all their resources and processes to ensure they have an efficient and fair supply of necessary health care goods for their local community.

Would you encourage someone to pursue a career in pharmacy? And what does the future hold for you?

Absolutely. Looking back on my studies at Curtin I can honestly say it was one of the fondest times in my life. The memories from the friendships made and the version of yourself you get to develop as a student and young adult is priceless. 

I am going on maternity leave in a weeksโ€™ time, so I acknowledge my team and other healthcare workers who remain on the frontline.

I think itโ€™s most courageous when caring for customers that you keep your heart open and treat everyone with respect, dignity and care.

This goes for leaders who manage their team members, team members who support each other and for anyone with any authority in the health care sector to have a positive influence on their patients, who are most vulnerable.

You don’t seek for health advice/ services when you’re not vulnerable.

___

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Growing up in Perthโ€™s northern suburbs, Curtin Film and TV graduate Zak Hilditch felt like Hollywood was a million miles away from his home in Girrawheen, but he dared to dream. ๐ŸŽฅ๐ŸŽž๏ธ

Twenty years later, the writer and director is living his passion, bringing stories to life through film.

Zak recently announced his fourth feature film, โ€˜We Bury the Deadโ€™, which will be filmed in WAโ€™s Great Southern and will feature one of Hollywoodโ€™s brightest stars, Daisey Ridley.

Find out more about the film and Zakโ€™s exciting journey to Hollywood in #CurtinCommons via link in bio. ๐Ÿ‘†

๐Ÿ“ธ: The Hollywood Reporter.

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinCommons #Film #Producer #Director #Filmmaker #Hollywood #WesternAustralia #Perth #AustralianFilm #AustralianCinema

Growing up in Perthโ€™s northern suburbs, Curtin Film and TV graduate Zak Hilditch felt like Hollywood was a million miles away from his home in Girrawheen, but he dared to dream. ๐ŸŽฅ๐ŸŽž๏ธ

Twenty years later, the writer and director is living his passion, bringing stories to life through film.

Zak recently announced his fourth feature film, โ€˜We Bury the Deadโ€™, which will be filmed in WAโ€™s Great Southern and will feature one of Hollywoodโ€™s brightest stars, Daisey Ridley.

Find out more about the film and Zakโ€™s exciting journey to Hollywood in #CurtinCommons via link in bio. ๐Ÿ‘†

๐Ÿ“ธ: The Hollywood Reporter.

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinCommons #Film #Producer #Director #Filmmaker #Hollywood #WesternAustralia #Perth #AustralianFilm #AustralianCinema
...

Congratulations to Curtin Physiotherapy graduate Nicole Pates on being awarded a Professional Achievement Award at the 2023 Curtin Alumni Awards. ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ‘

Nicole is an award-winning physiotherapist and Managing Director of @westernkidshealth, an innovative multidisciplinary private clinic specialising in supporting infants and young people.

As a highly experienced paediatric physiotherapist, Nicole was recognised for her vocal advocacy, evidence-based care, and tireless work in supporting children and families living with complex and chronic conditions. 

โ€œIโ€™m driven to improve the lives of children in Australia and around the world by empowering their parents and making therapy fun.โ€

Thank you, Nicole, for everything you do to improve WA children's and their families' lives! ๐Ÿ’›

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #WesternKidsHealth #Health #Paediatrics #Physiotherapy #Children #Family #Physiotherapist #Leader

Congratulations to Curtin Physiotherapy graduate Nicole Pates on being awarded a Professional Achievement Award at the 2023 Curtin Alumni Awards. ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ‘

Nicole is an award-winning physiotherapist and Managing Director of @westernkidshealth, an innovative multidisciplinary private clinic specialising in supporting infants and young people.

As a highly experienced paediatric physiotherapist, Nicole was recognised for her vocal advocacy, evidence-based care, and tireless work in supporting children and families living with complex and chronic conditions.

โ€œIโ€™m driven to improve the lives of children in Australia and around the world by empowering their parents and making therapy fun.โ€

Thank you, Nicole, for everything you do to improve WA children`s and their families` lives! ๐Ÿ’›

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #WesternKidsHealth #Health #Paediatrics #Physiotherapy #Children #Family #Physiotherapist #Leader
...

John Curtin Medallist and Not-for-Profit business leader Joanne Beedieโ€™s world came crashing down when she lost one of her twin boys at 21 weeks gestation.

Six weeks later, Joanne and her husbandโ€™s surviving twin was born 13 weeks premature, weighing just 940g grams.

Despite the difficult road ahead, Joanne and her husband turned their grief to gratitude, launching a charity called Helping Little Hands, which supports and empowers families of sick and premature babies in WA.

In recognition for her commitment and compassion in supporting WA families, Joanne was named the prestigious John Curtin Medallist at the 2023 Curtin Alumni Awards. ๐Ÿ’œ

Joanne shares her moving story in #CurtinCommons via the link in bio. ๐Ÿ‘†

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinCommons #WorldPrematurityDay #PrematureAwareness #PrematureBabies #Resilience #Leader #NotForProfit #MakingADifference

John Curtin Medallist and Not-for-Profit business leader Joanne Beedieโ€™s world came crashing down when she lost one of her twin boys at 21 weeks gestation.

Six weeks later, Joanne and her husbandโ€™s surviving twin was born 13 weeks premature, weighing just 940g grams.

Despite the difficult road ahead, Joanne and her husband turned their grief to gratitude, launching a charity called Helping Little Hands, which supports and empowers families of sick and premature babies in WA.

In recognition for her commitment and compassion in supporting WA families, Joanne was named the prestigious John Curtin Medallist at the 2023 Curtin Alumni Awards. ๐Ÿ’œ

Joanne shares her moving story in #CurtinCommons via the link in bio. ๐Ÿ‘†

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinCommons #WorldPrematurityDay #PrematureAwareness #PrematureBabies #Resilience #Leader #NotForProfit #MakingADifference
...

Immerse yourself in the minds of our talented Curtin Fashion graduates at the 2023 Curtin Graduate Fashion Exhibition: Outrรฉ. ๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŽ‰
ย 
This yearโ€™s graduating cohortโ€™s thought-provoking garments explore the violation of convention and propriety in fashion.
ย 
Running for one week only, donโ€™t miss out on this chance to support your fellow Curtin graduates! ๐Ÿ’›
ย 
The exhibition runs from 9am - 5pm at Building 418 (Gallery Space) until Friday 1st December 2023. 
ย 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinFashion #Fashion #Outre #Exhibition #PerthFashion #FashionDesign #FashionGraduate #PerthEvent #PerthIsOk

Immerse yourself in the minds of our talented Curtin Fashion graduates at the 2023 Curtin Graduate Fashion Exhibition: Outrรฉ. ๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŽ‰
ย 
This yearโ€™s graduating cohortโ€™s thought-provoking garments explore the violation of convention and propriety in fashion.
ย 
Running for one week only, donโ€™t miss out on this chance to support your fellow Curtin graduates! ๐Ÿ’›
ย 
The exhibition runs from 9am - 5pm at Building 418 (Gallery Space) until Friday 1st December 2023.
ย 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinFashion #Fashion #Outre #Exhibition #PerthFashion #FashionDesign #FashionGraduate #PerthEvent #PerthIsOk
...

Congratulations to Curtin Fine Arts graduate Siahne Rogers on receiving the 2023 Helen Lempriere Scholarship. ๐ŸŽจ๐Ÿ‘

Siahne recently exhibited their work, โ€˜EVERYTHING MUST GO!โ€™ at @sculpturebythesea in Cottesloe and Bondi this year.

The shimmering embellished billboard, combined with eye-catching bright-red acrylic text, contemplates the grieving process, acceptance of change and impermanence.

Siahne is deeply grateful to be awarded the scholarship.

โ€œI took a huge leap of faith in making โ€œEverything Must Go!โ€ and to receive this award after all the very special connections I made in workshops while being exhibited in Sculptures by The Sea means so much.

โ€œThis is an invaluable opportunity to develop my career as an artist, and I aim to use it to create meaningful and impactful work and hope for connections with the greater arts community.โ€

The Helen Lempriere Scholarship is part of @sculpturebythesea, Bondi and is gifted as part of the Helen Lempriere Bequest, a charitable trust managed by Perpetual.

Well done Siahne, we can't wait to see what the future holds for you! ๐ŸŽ‰

#CurtinAlumni #SculpturesbytheSea #Cottesloe #Bondi #PerthArtist #Sculpture #Artist #Scholarship #Perth #Art #Creative

Congratulations to Curtin Fine Arts graduate Siahne Rogers on receiving the 2023 Helen Lempriere Scholarship. ๐ŸŽจ๐Ÿ‘

Siahne recently exhibited their work, โ€˜EVERYTHING MUST GO!โ€™ at @sculpturebythesea in Cottesloe and Bondi this year.

The shimmering embellished billboard, combined with eye-catching bright-red acrylic text, contemplates the grieving process, acceptance of change and impermanence.

Siahne is deeply grateful to be awarded the scholarship.

โ€œI took a huge leap of faith in making โ€œEverything Must Go!โ€ and to receive this award after all the very special connections I made in workshops while being exhibited in Sculptures by The Sea means so much.

โ€œThis is an invaluable opportunity to develop my career as an artist, and I aim to use it to create meaningful and impactful work and hope for connections with the greater arts community.โ€

The Helen Lempriere Scholarship is part of @sculpturebythesea, Bondi and is gifted as part of the Helen Lempriere Bequest, a charitable trust managed by Perpetual.

Well done Siahne, we can`t wait to see what the future holds for you! ๐ŸŽ‰

#CurtinAlumni #SculpturesbytheSea #Cottesloe #Bondi #PerthArtist #Sculpture #Artist #Scholarship #Perth #Art #Creative
...

Congratulations to Curtin Master of Business Administration graduate Fiona Beermier on receiving the Professional Achievement Award at the 2023 Curtin Alumni Awards. ๐Ÿ‘

Known for her values-based leadership, Fiona has built an impressive career in the community and health sectors over the past 30 years.

Most recently as CEO of Ngala, she was dedicated to creating the best outcomes for children through early intervention and family support. 

As the former CEO of Intelife Group and YouthCare, she introduced vital programs, including The School Breakfast program for disadvantaged children and the Empowered to Win mentoring program.

โ€œI strongly believe in making a difference in peopleโ€™s lives. Itโ€™s what gets me out of bed every day, and if I can use my value-based leadership to influence others, then thatโ€™s what Iโ€™ll continue to do.โ€ ๐Ÿ’›

Discover more about Fionaโ€™s story via the link in bio. ๐Ÿ‘†

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #AlumniAwards #Health #Community #Leadership #FamilySupport #Children

Congratulations to Curtin Master of Business Administration graduate Fiona Beermier on receiving the Professional Achievement Award at the 2023 Curtin Alumni Awards. ๐Ÿ‘

Known for her values-based leadership, Fiona has built an impressive career in the community and health sectors over the past 30 years.

Most recently as CEO of Ngala, she was dedicated to creating the best outcomes for children through early intervention and family support.

As the former CEO of Intelife Group and YouthCare, she introduced vital programs, including The School Breakfast program for disadvantaged children and the Empowered to Win mentoring program.

โ€œI strongly believe in making a difference in peopleโ€™s lives. Itโ€™s what gets me out of bed every day, and if I can use my value-based leadership to influence others, then thatโ€™s what Iโ€™ll continue to do.โ€ ๐Ÿ’›

Discover more about Fionaโ€™s story via the link in bio. ๐Ÿ‘†

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #AlumniAwards #Health #Community #Leadership #FamilySupport #Children
...

Curtin Creative Writing graduate Georgia Tree was in her 20s when she discovered an uncomfortable secret about her father, Grant Tree.

The man whoโ€™d loved her and nurtured her interest in books read was a former heroin addict.

During COVID, Georgia decided to write about her fatherโ€™s tumultuous past and unlikely friendship with notorious Perth drug dealer Brian Chambers in her book, โ€˜Old Boyโ€™. ๐Ÿ“—

Georgia shares her fatherโ€™s fascinating story in #CurtinCommons via link in bio. ๐Ÿ‘†

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinCommons #CurtinAlumni #OldBoy #Author #Writer #Adulthood #Author #AustralianStory #WesternAustralia

Curtin Creative Writing graduate Georgia Tree was in her 20s when she discovered an uncomfortable secret about her father, Grant Tree.

The man whoโ€™d loved her and nurtured her interest in books read was a former heroin addict.

During COVID, Georgia decided to write about her fatherโ€™s tumultuous past and unlikely friendship with notorious Perth drug dealer Brian Chambers in her book, โ€˜Old Boyโ€™. ๐Ÿ“—

Georgia shares her fatherโ€™s fascinating story in #CurtinCommons via link in bio. ๐Ÿ‘†

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinCommons #CurtinAlumni #OldBoy #Author #Writer #Adulthood #Author #AustralianStory #WesternAustralia
...

Dive into a world of ideas at the 2023 Curtin Fine Arts Graduate Showcase exhibition. ๐ŸŽจ๐ŸŽ“โœจ
ย 
Explore different notions of place, identity and connection, as you wander through the intriguing contemporary artwork created by some of our talented Fine Arts graduates.
ย 
Donโ€™t miss out, go check out the amazing work on display before the exhibition closes this Wednesday.
ย 
All the details are below. ๐Ÿ‘‡
ย 
๐Ÿ—“๏ธ: Monday 19th โ€“ Wednesday 22nd November, 10am โ€“ 4pm.
ย 
๐Ÿ“: Buildings 202, 203 and 212 at the Curtin Bentley campus.
ย 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinGradShow23 #FineArts #Graduates #Exhibition #PerthArt #PerthArtists #FineArtGallery #ArtExhibition

Dive into a world of ideas at the 2023 Curtin Fine Arts Graduate Showcase exhibition. ๐ŸŽจ๐ŸŽ“โœจ
ย 
Explore different notions of place, identity and connection, as you wander through the intriguing contemporary artwork created by some of our talented Fine Arts graduates.
ย 
Donโ€™t miss out, go check out the amazing work on display before the exhibition closes this Wednesday.
ย 
All the details are below. ๐Ÿ‘‡
ย 
๐Ÿ—“๏ธ: Monday 19th โ€“ Wednesday 22nd November, 10am โ€“ 4pm.
ย 
๐Ÿ“: Buildings 202, 203 and 212 at the Curtin Bentley campus.
ย 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #CurtinGradShow23 #FineArts #Graduates #Exhibition #PerthArt #PerthArtists #FineArtGallery #ArtExhibition
...

Congratulations to WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering graduate Raleigh Finlayson on being awarded the Professional Achievement Award (Science & Engineering) at the 2023 Curtin Alumni Awards. ๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ’ซ

Raleigh is an award-winning engineer with more than 20 years of technical and operational experience in the specialist area of underground and open pit mining operations.

Now Managing Director of Genesis Minerals Limited, Raleigh built an impressive career at Saracen Mineral Holdings where he was responsible for the feasibility study and development of the companyโ€™s first operating goldmine, the Carosue Dam Operations.

โ€œItโ€™s an honour and privilege to be the 2023 winner.

โ€œIโ€™d tell my younger self to be open-minded, surround yourself with a good team. You donโ€™t need to know everything and be open to wherever your career may take you.โ€

Read about Raleighโ€™s impressive work via the link in bio. ๐Ÿ‘†

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #AlumniAwards #MiningEngineer #Mining #Engineering #Leadership #Career #MiningCareer

Congratulations to WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering graduate Raleigh Finlayson on being awarded the Professional Achievement Award (Science & Engineering) at the 2023 Curtin Alumni Awards. ๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ’ซ

Raleigh is an award-winning engineer with more than 20 years of technical and operational experience in the specialist area of underground and open pit mining operations.

Now Managing Director of Genesis Minerals Limited, Raleigh built an impressive career at Saracen Mineral Holdings where he was responsible for the feasibility study and development of the companyโ€™s first operating goldmine, the Carosue Dam Operations.

โ€œItโ€™s an honour and privilege to be the 2023 winner.

โ€œIโ€™d tell my younger self to be open-minded, surround yourself with a good team. You donโ€™t need to know everything and be open to wherever your career may take you.โ€

Read about Raleighโ€™s impressive work via the link in bio. ๐Ÿ‘†

#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #AlumniAwards #MiningEngineer #Mining #Engineering #Leadership #Career #MiningCareer
...

Curtin Nutrition graduate Savina Rego felt compelled to help improve the lives of the more than one million Australians living with diabetes. ๐ŸŽ“

After witnessing the pervasive impact of diabetes on peopleโ€™s health and wellbeing early on in her career, Savina knew she had to
help mitigate the biggest challenge confronting Australiaโ€™s health system.

Now working as a senior dietitian and diabetes educator, Savina plays a pivotal role in fostering positive lifestyle changes, promoting nutritional awareness, and enhancing the quality of life for those navigating the challenges of life with diabetes.

ย 
This #WorldDiabetesDay, Savina shares the most surprising things she has learnt in her career. ๐Ÿ‘‡
ย 
๐: ๐–๐ก๐š๐ญโ€™๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎโ€™๐ฏ๐ž ๐ฅ๐ž๐š๐ซ๐ง๐ž๐ ๐ฐ๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ž ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐Ÿ๐ข๐ž๐ฅ๐?
A: One of the most surprising aspects of diabetes that many people may not know is the intricate interplay between mental health and diabetes management. Working in the field has highlighted the profound impact that stress, anxiety, and depression can have on blood sugar levels and overall well-being for individuals with diabetes. Recognising and addressing the psychological aspects of diabetes is an integral part of comprehensive care.

๐: ๐–๐ก๐š๐ญ ๐๐จ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฏ๐ž ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐š๐›๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ฃ๐จ๐›?
A: Witnessing the positive changes in someone's health and well-being, knowing that I played a role in empowering them to manage their diabetes effectively is incredibly rewarding.
ย 
Get inspired, and dive into more graduate stories in #CurtinCommons via the link in bio. ๐Ÿ‘†
ย 
#CurtinUniversity #CurtinAlumni #WorldDiabetesDay #Diabetes #DiabetesAwareness #Dietitian #Healthcare #MentalHealth #Career

Curtin Nutrition graduate Savina Rego felt compelled to help improve the lives of the more than one million Australians living with diabetes. ๐ŸŽ“

After witnessing the pervasive impact of diabetes on peopleโ€™s health and wellbeing early on in her career, Savina knew she had to
help mitigate the biggest challenge confronting Australiaโ€™s health system.

Now working as a senior dietitian and diabetes educator, Savina plays a pivotal role in fostering positive lifestyle changes, promoting nutritional awareness, and enhancing the quality of life for those navigating the challenges of life with diabetes.

ย 
This #WorldDiabetesDay, Savina shares the most surprising things she has learnt in her career. ๐Ÿ‘‡
ย 
๐: ๐–๐ก๐š๐ญโ€™๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎโ€™๐ฏ๐ž ๐ฅ๐ž๐š๐ซ๐ง๐ž๐ ๐ฐ๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ž ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐Ÿ๐ข๐ž๐ฅ๐?
A: One of the most surprising aspects of diabetes that many people may not know is the intricate interplay between mental health and diabetes management. Working in the field has highlighted the profound impact that stress, anxiety, and depression can have on blood sugar levels and overall well-being for individuals with diabetes. Recognising and addressing the psychological aspects of diabetes is an integral part of comprehensive care.

๐: ๐–๐ก๐š๐ญ ๐๐จ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฏ๐ž ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐š๐›๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ฃ๐จ๐›?
A: Witnessing the positive changes in someone`s health and well-being, knowing that I played a role in empowering them to manage their diabetes effectively is incredibly rewarding.
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