The ACP International Conference provides an unmatched opportunity for our members to learn from experts and leaders in paramedicine. ACPIC 2021 was delivered as a hybrid conference (online and face to face in the Sunshine Coast, QLD and Hobart, TAS) in November 2021.

Alisha McFarlane is an intensive care paramedic and lecturer of paramedicine at Charles Sturt University. Alisha is currently undertaking research in the field of gender, work and organisations, specifically investigating gender based issues relating to the profession of paramedicine. Government inquiries and individual testimonies report that female paramedics have been subject to sexism in the workplace. This study explores everyday sexism as experienced by female paramedics and examines the effects of these experiences on well-being, job performance and career trajectory.

Biography: Alisha McFarlane

Alisha is an experienced intensive care paramedic and current Lecturer in paramedicine at Charles Sturt University. She is a passionate advocate for gender equality in the profession with her current research focussing on the sexism experiences of female paramedics in Australia. Alisha is focussed on promoting and driving change in the professional culture of paramedicine and supports the equal representation of women in leadership positions. She lives by the saying “if you can’t see it, you can’t be it” and strongly believes in challenging the historical hierarchy that at times creates barriers to women’s career progression. Alisha is also the current chair of the Australasian College of Paramedicine clinical standards committee and a member of the women in paramedicine committee.

Session moderator: Laura Wirth