Empowering women in healthcare with compassion
Immerse yourself. Embrace challenges. Don’t just dip your toes in.
That’s Jo-Anne Lobb’s advice this International Women’s Day for career-seekers, job-changers and those taking their first steps on a career pathway.
The Mater Education senior manager has four decades of experience in the healthcare sector and is now shaping the educational journey of thousands of emerging professionals.
She challenges women to ask tough questions and face difficult decisions head-on.
“Be true to yourself,” she says.
“Self-reflection is important - looking at where you are, what your purpose is, where you want to be, what you want to do and who’s coming along for the ride that can support you.
“People who are passionate shine when they’re doing what they do best. “
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Balance the Scales’ with a deliberate focus on the importance of women and girls feeling free to shape their own lives.
It’s a topic close to Jo-Anne's heart.
Starting out as an enrolled nurse, she joined Mater in 1996 as a phlebotomist. Later, Jo-Anne moved into leadership roles in pathology, nurturing and mentoring younger colleagues.
She joined Mater Education in 2017 to focus on empowering the next generation of healthcare workers.
“Watching people grow into what they’re good at and seeing students hit those big moments they’ve worked for reminds me why our work matters,” she said.
Jo-Anne now oversees Mater Education’s Certificate II, III and IV programs, including the Vocational Education and Training Schools Program, Certificate III in Pathology Collection, and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance.
While her career path has evolved and changed over the decades, Jo-Anne says one thing has remained the same – her passion for being part of a team dedicated to helping others.
“My Nana gave me her fob watch when I started nursing, and it’s something I’ll always treasure as it reminds me of why I started nursing - to help others and to be part of a healthcare team,” she said.
Jo-Anne said women aspiring to pursue a healthcare career should embrace change and challenges wholeheartedly.
“Don’t just dip your toes in,” she said. “Immerse yourself into something that might challenge you.
“Embrace the opportunities in front of you!”
