Careers Roundtable - Life Beyond BBiomed

Gain firsthand insights from a diverse group of Bachelor of Biomedicine alumni.

***EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED***

Life Beyond Bachelor of Biomedicine - Where will your career take you?

The School of Biomedical Sciences’ Careers Roundtable Afternoon Tea is an opportunity for current Biomedicine students to meet a diverse group of Bachelor of Biomedicine Alumni.

Meet those who have gone before you... understand firsthand about the career opportunities that a Bachelor of Biomedicine offers you. Designed to equip you with information to help inspire you to take the next steps... into the ‘world of work’ or further study.

Whether you're driven to become a doctor, a clinical researcher, surgeon, biomedical engineer, physiotherapist, dentist - or other healthcare professional – or you’re not quite sure what lies ahead just yet…this networking event is a must-attend!

This event is run by the School of Biomedical Sciences for its undergraduate Bachelor of Biomedicine students as part of the University of Melbourne’s Employability Week initiatives.

Register today - places are limited and a waitlist will apply. Should you book and then be unable to attend please contact us as this event is always over-subscribed and another student will then have the opportunity to join.

Who should Attend

Current Bachelor of Biomedicine Students - particularly designed for 2nd & 3rd year BBiomed students thinking about career options and opportunities.

What to Expect

We’ve put together an exciting group of Bachelor of Biomedicine graduates to share their professional journey with you.

In small groups you will have an opportunity to learn:

  • what helped along the way
  • what kept them motivated
  • how they navigated any early career hurdles
  • what a typical workday involves

Event Details

Life Beyond Bachelor of Biomedicine – Careers Roundtable

Tuesday 23 April 2024, 5.30-7pm 
The Woodward Centre 
Melbourne Law School 
Level 10, 185 Pelham Street Carlton

Afternoon Tea will be served.

***EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED***

You will hear from and have the opportunity to talk with:

 

Bachelor of Biomedicine Alumni

Anahita Ghanbari

Lab Manager

Anahita completed the Bachelor of Biomedicine, majoring in Neuroscience, then completed an Honours year, also in Neuroscience, at the University of Melbourne. Anahita is current a Lab Manager in a Neuroscience research lab which includes managing the team, the lab finances as well as scientific work.

Her first job was working as a team member at KFC. “I learned a lot in the two years I worked there, especially about money, and saving it!, as well as interacting with a people from all walks of life.”

Outside of the lab, Anahita enjoys travelling and recently discovered a love for scuba diving. “There’s something about observing and interacting with aquatic wildlife in their natural habitat and being disconnected from the outside world that brings me peace and joy.”

Carla Mileo

Student Architect

Carla competed the Bachelor of Biomedicine, majoring in Neuroscience and Physiology, a Diploma in Italian Language, studies in Aesthetics and Philosophy of Language, and is now in her final semester of Master of Architecture studies at the University of Melbourne.

Carla has a professional interest in exploring the nexus between architecture, sensory perception, and health, to design restorative environments that enhance therapeutic outcomes and wellbeing.

Her first job was a part-time administration and reception role at the St Vincent’s Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Service. “This was an extremely informative experience for many reasons. In particular, for the opportunity to contribute to a Neuroaesthetics research study investigating the impact of the visual environment on patient recovery. Through this research and firsthand experience in the ward environment, I gained understanding of the critical connection between design and therapeutic outcomes for patients and staff. This was the turning point in my decision to pursue a career at the intersection of architecture and human sciences.”

Outside of work, Carla enjoys art, cinema and language.

 

Celine Dubois

Student Support & Department Liaison Coordinator, The Florey

Celine graduated from the Bachelor of Biomedicine, majoring in Pathology, in 2017. She then completed the Master of Biomedical Science in 2019 at the University of Melbourne.

Celine began her journey at The Florey in 2018 as a Master student. Before transitioning to her current position in July 2023, Celine was the Laboratory Manager within the Neurodegeneration and Neuropathology Group.

Her first job was working as a lifeguard in a military camp in New Zealand before moving to Australia. She then worked in hospitality as a waitress, barista, and floor manager throughout her studies. "I worked in hospitality for 5 years, and my various roles taught me to be more social and not to be afraid to start a conversation with people you don’t know, especially when English is not your first language. These skills are very important for networking, which is crucial when working in academia."

Outside of work, Celine is a fur mom who goes on motorbike rides in Victoria when the weather permits.

Karin Gunatilake

Orthopaedic Surgery Registrar

Karin graduated with a Bachelor of Biomedicine, majoring in Neuroscience, and a Doctor of Medicine at the University of Melbourne. Karin now works as an unaccredited Orthopaedic surgery registrar at The Alfred Hospital.

Karin worked as a medical intern in Alice Sprints, Northern Territory, then spent two years of surgical residency at The Alfred Hospital. Her first job was at the Bourke Street Maccas for five years as a store manager, and previously played rugby for The University of Melbourne.

“Maccas got me ready for shift work, people management and crisis mitigation more than my medical degree did. Running out of nuggets at 1:00am after an AC/DC concert finished is still high on the list of most stressful situations I’ve dealt with – just below traumatic amputation at 3:00am at a rural hospital. I still think it was one of the most pivotal stages of my life.”

In addition to her work, she is also preparing for her first high-altitude hike in Ecuador scheduled for later this year.

Kieren Do

Optometrist

Kieren completed the Bachelor of Biomedicine in 2015, majoring in Neuroscience, then a Doctor of Optometry in 2019.

"I was looking for a career that allowed me to simultaneously solve problems but also interact and help others on a daily basis.”

His first job was working as a VCE tutor whilst studying Biomedicine. “It taught me time management skills as I juggled my studies. As well as providing feedback and having professional conservations with parents, something I had not had exposure prior!”

Outside of work Kieren looks after a toy poodle, supports the Port Adelaide AFL team and likes planning his next overseas holiday.

Michelle Blythe

Patent Attorney

Michelle graduated with a Bachelor of Biomedicine, majoring in Bioengineering Systems, a Masters of Engineering (Biomedical) and a Master of Intellectual Property Law at the University of Melbourne. Michelle now specialises in patenting of medical devices and biomedical instruments.

Michelle worked part time for Hungry Jacks in her first year before  gaining a place in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) where she worked as a research assistant at the Ludwig Institute (Now part of WEHI). Michelle undertook a clinical engineering internship in her final year and her first job was as a Biomedical Engineer at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne in medical device maintenance and repair.

"I feel like I had two first jobs - the first as an engineer and the second as a patent attorney. While I enjoyed working with medical devices in a hands-on way, I found that I could have a greater impact on patients and the healthcare industry by helping others commercialise their ideas in medical technology. I work with clinicians, start-ups, and established companies within and outside of Australia. I love the thought process behind patenting a new invention and the creative "out-of-the-box" thinking to capture concepts beyond the original idea."

Michelle Mun

Dentist & Lecturer

Michelle graduated with a Bachelor of Biomedicine majoring in Neuroscience, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Melbourne. Michelle now works as a dentist and lecturer in Digital Health Transformation in Dentistry at the University of Melbourne Dental School, with a joint appointment at the Centre for Digital Transformation of Health (CDTH)

After graduating, she worked as a dentist across private and public dental sectors whilst lending her clinical expertise to startups, dental organisations and government in the digital health space.

She has since specialised in informatics at the University of Texas Health Science Centre.

Michelle's first job was as a waitress at a busy Malaysian restaurant. "I had to quickly develop skills in delivering great customer service, communicating in a team, managing expectations and conflict, and multi-tasking in high-pressure environments - all of which have proven valuable job skills, especially for working as a dentist!"

Outside of work, Michelle enjoys watching and reading sci-fi, learning languages, and dabbling in arts and crafts.

Scott Starkey

Physiotherapist, Lecturer & Lab Coordinator

Scott graduated with a Bachelor of Biomedicine, a Doctor of Physiotherapy, and a Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Melbourne. Scott now works at the University as a Lecturer and Coordinator of the Department of Physiotherapy Human Movement Laboratory.

Scott's research expertise is in the field of clinical and computational biomechanics, particularly relating to the rehabilitation of knee pathologies to prevent the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis.

“My first job was part-time as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist (whilst completing a PhD). I learnt valuable lessons in prioritising tasks/time management and setting boundaries to maintain a healthy work life balance. Initially I tried to work 3 days at the clinic and 4 days on my PhD – not at all sustainable!”

Outside of work, Scott can be found climbing rocks at various crags across Victoria.

 

Vlad Litvinenko

Packaging Continuous Improvement Manager

Vlad graduated with a Bachelor of Biomedicine in 2015, majoring in Bioengineering Systems, then went on to complete the Master of Biomedical Engineering with Business in 2017. Vlad now works for Asahi Beverages, in one of the country’s oldest breweries where he has progressed through different roles within the supply chain.

“My first job was in Kazakhstan, as an apprentice mechanic over the summer University break. Here, I learnt the importance of trusting yourself and your knowledge, and how to apply theory to practice”.

Vlad’s first job out of university was as a service technician with General Electric (GE) Healthcare, looking after baby incubators, ultrasound and anaesthesia machines.

Outside of work, Vlad is an avid cyclist and captain of a mixed social netball team.

This event will be hosted by Head of School Professor Jennifer Wilkinson-Berka and Biomedicine Program Director A/Professor James Ziogas.

   
Professor Jenny Wilkinson-Berka

Head of School, Professor Wilkinson-Berka is a world authority on diabetic retinopathy and oxygen-induced retinopathy. Her pre-clinical research led to a discovery that the blockade of the hormone angiotensin II reduces retinal vascular disease, and this research contributed to the world’s largest clinical trial evaluating angiotensin II inhibition in diabetic retinopathy. Learn more

   
A/Professor James Ziogas

Biomedicine Program Director, Associate Professor Ziogas helps oversee research in molecular, cellular and tissue actions of drugs and utilising animal models of disease that can lead to clinical studies. He helps ensure students learn both theoretical and practical pharmacological principles essential for drug discovery and development.
Learn more