Lessons in Leadership: A Day at the New Footscray Hospital
Students and staff from the Graduate Certificate in Health Leadership recently had the privilege of visiting Western Health as part of the Understanding Australian Healthcare subject, and it proved to be one of the most memorable days of the programme.
The centrepiece of the visit was a tour of the newly opened Footscray Hospital, guided by clinical and operational leaders who were instrumental in its design. Walking through the space whilst hearing first-hand accounts of its development brought the curriculum to life in a way no lecture could replicate. The hospital's design philosophy was immediately apparent, with natural light flooding every room, family spaces that feel genuinely welcoming and an environment clearly shaped by patient experience at every turn.
Beyond the bricks and mortar, the day showcased the strength of the partnership between Melbourne Medical School and Western Health. A candid panel discussion featuring Chief Medical Officer Dr Abi Arul, Chief Operating Officer John Ferraro, Claire Long and Vivek Nigam offered students a rare and honest window into the realities of leading complex health systems. Western Health Clinical Dean and GP Associate Professor Stephen Lew rounded out the day with a masterful session on the challenges of general practice, bringing to life the funding pressures and time constraints of primary care in a way that was both engaging and deeply illuminating.
The breadth of expertise generously shared across the day, spanning hospital design, Value-Based Healthcare, executive leadership and general practice, is a testament to what is possible when health services and medical education work closely together. We are proud of this ongoing partnership with Western Health and look forward to continuing to build on it.
If you’re interested in learning more about how the Melbourne Medical School is developing partnerships in health leadership or would like to share your leadership experiences with the leaders of tomorrow, contact Dr Vinita Rane, Academic Lead for Health Leadership (vrane@unimelb.edu.au).