Liane Barnes

A passion for science and people has motivated Liane Barnes to develop the knowledge and experience needed to become a medical scientist. While studying a Bachelor of Science, Liane found her ideal career during a two-week elective placement in the Clinical Measurements Department at Townsville Hospital.

“On this placement, I saw what is involved in being a clinical scientist and that I could put my love of science and helping others together into one job,” she said.

Liane discussed the postgraduate course with her lecturers and decided it was the ideal way to learn more and obtain the hands-on experience needed to become a medical scientist. She is studying the Graduate Diploma of Medical Science full-time at JCU’s Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus, Douglas. Liane’s favourite part of the course has been completing clinical placements.

“The most interesting part is being able to see and run the different tests throughout the Clinical Measurements Department and then applying this knowledge and understanding into well rounded clinical case studies, which are presented as part of our assessment,” she said.

The chance to gain experience in the field combined with a supportive learning environment is ensuring that Liane is on her way to becoming a medical scientist.

“The support network in the course is great,” she said. “Our lecturers and clinical supervisors are always there to help out and provide guidance and feedback whenever needed.”

Her advice for people considering becoming clinical scientists is to dive into study and make the most of it.

“If you like to know the science behind how the human body works and want to work with people in the health industry, I say go for it.”