Complimentary medicine and specialist allied health a major growth area for Gold Coast

Why this Gold Coast University is making unique moves to secure a new $5.6 billion industry for the Gold Coast.

THE Gold Coast is poised to harness a $5.6 billion complimentary medicine industry, according to those leading the field.

Southern Cross University’s Professor Jon Wardle, the foundation director of the new National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, said the region was well on its way to becoming a complimentary health hub, thanks to the focus of the university.

With one of only two TGA certified laboratories in Australia with specialist capabilities in applied photochemistry, crop quality and herbal medicine quality control the city is building its reputation in the health scene as a certifier and educator of the next generation.

The university’s newly established National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine will also launch its two flagship courses in January 2021 – a graduate certificate in Advanced Naturopathic Medicine and a Master of Advanced Naturopathic Medicine, a first for higher education in Australia.

Professor Jon Wardle AdvDipHlthSc, PhD(UQ) Current Appointment: Foundation Director, National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

“The complimentary medicine sector is one of the most successful export industries currently, and the Gold Coast in addition to the SCU Lismore campus is acknowledged as the hub for that expertise,” Prof Wardle said. “We live in a community that has a high focus on preventive medicines, it is an incredibly health continuous place to live so it makes sense to build on that.

“There is an extraordinary level of growth and demand in the sector.”

Prof Wardle said the national naturopathic centre would also assist in the professionalisation of the practice.

“There have been degrees in the area for about 20 years, now we are moving to a critical scholarly approach for engagement. This is about connection with patients and healthcare stakeholders, research and community engagement,” he said. “We have been unapologetic in advocating for higher standards of training in the profession.”

SOLID FUTURE IN HEALTH ON THE GOLD COAST

NOTHING is impossible for Southern Cross University Midwifery student Heidi Patenaude who has been juggling study and a step into parenthood.

Studying at the university with one of the highest graduate employability outcomes in the region, the new mum is confident of her future, despite the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

“I decided to study midwifery after a life changing experience – I had a baby,” Ms Patenaude said.

“The first year of uni consists of learning a new routine, experiencing academic life and making new friends. Getting assignments done can be interesting when you have a baby.

“I’m balancing studying and being a mum with lots of careful time management. The flexibility of what SCU offers and the combination of online and on-campus is really good. If the baby is sick I can catch up on a lecture as they are just about all recorded.”

Heidi Patenaude, B Midwifery student at Southern Cross University

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The 2020 National Graduate Outcome Survey revealed that nationally nursing graduates had a 72.7 per cent employability rate, and according to SCU Dean and Head of School for Health and Human Sciences Julie Jomeen, demand in certain speciality areas was even higher.

“Nursing continues to be our biggest program and grows year on year, demand is certainly there particularly in areas like aged care, and rural and remote,” Professor Jomeen said.

“We have also been developing a new health information and technology course for allied health professionals and nurses looking to up their skills.

“Our focus has always been moving students to employability pathways and ensuring they stay there, by continuing to offer postgraduate education in manageable bites.”