Alisha McFarlane, Lecturer, School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences, Charles Sturt University

I joined NSWA as a 22-year-old PE teacher who had dreams of working anywhere that wasn’t an office. Aside from PE teaching, paramedicine seemed quite a good fit to accomplish what seemed a simple goal, so nearly 20 years later I am still engaged in the profession. Though my roles and career direction have changed over the course of time, I am still passionate about the provision of health care and the ever-evolving role paramedics play in the search for healthcare equality. Throughout my career, I have worked in metropolitan, regional and rural locations and have grown to love the many complexities of healthcare that come from working among diverse populations and geographical regions. I have been an Intensive Care Paramedic, undertaken clinical projects, enjoyed educational roles within the ambulance service and have now transitioned to become a full-time university lecturer of paramedicine. Who knew all these years later that life would come full circle and that my educational background would have such significant influence over the development of my career. I am now completing my PhD, researching women in paramedicine, understanding their challenges and individual experiences, and appreciating their amazing contribution to our profession. My research focuses on understanding gender equality in our profession and how we may make meaningful change to positively affect our professional culture. I am inspired by the women around me, both within the profession and outside of it, who remind me that change is hard but that it must start somewhere. I am hopeful that time is now. So here’s to change and all the challenges it brings with it!