Meet Mackay’s homegrown pharmacy graduates, courtesy of JCU
Some have lived here all their lives, and just want to give back to the community they love. See why it makes all the difference to train up locals in healthcare.
Mackay
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Mackay’s first-ever pharmacy students are about to graduate and start their careers, with some insisting on staying here to support the community they studied in.
After four years of work, they’ll join JCU’s 2024 cohort of new doctors and nurses in “improving” our healthcare.
JCU Vice Chancellor Professor Simon Biggs said this is a very important year for the university in Mackay.
JCU Mackay is also celebrating the 20 year anniversary of teaching medicine in Mackay, and the 10 year anniversary of the first nursing students graduating.
“We know the health system would be in a much worse place without JCU,” Professor Biggs said.
“We’ve had over 500 graduates come through the system in Mackay since we started.
“We have an outstanding track record of being able to recruit and train the doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals that a city like Mackay needs.”
One of these bright eyed pharmacy graduates is Mackay native Zachary James Lalor, who started his training in 2020 alongside seven other students.
“It’s been really great working with the other people in my course,” Mr Lalor said.
He was first intrigued by pharmacy when he attended a JCU “pilot” class, later developing a fascination on the process of developing medication.
“I gave it a go and was really interested by what I learned about medication and the effects they can have,” he said.
Dean of the College of Medicine and Dentistry Professor Richard Murray at JCU Mackay said regional healthcare is definitely less developed and accessible than in major cities.
“The priority is to recruit from, train-in and work for the community,” he said.
Since starting Mackay’s pharmacy program, JCU has had a consistent yearly enrolment for the course of approximately 10 students.
“You might think that’s a small number, it’s not,” Mr Murray said.
“Every single one of those individuals have a connection to the region and access to family, social networks and employment.”
After he graduates, Mr Lalor wants to work at the Mackay Base Hospital.
Professor Biggs said evidence shows 80% of JCU graduates choose to work in regional Australia, with many of them selecting placements in North Queensland.
“I’ve lived here all my life,” Mr Lalor said.
“I want to stay here, keep working and give back.”
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