Dr Michelle Thornhill

I work in Emergency Medicine and being able to manage the department in the event of a disaster is integral to this. This course offered me the opportunity to deepen my knowledge and understanding of the management of disasters both in and pre-hospital.

The aspects that appealed to me was the mix of online and in person content. The University of Melbourne has an excellent reputation and it offers the opportunity to further my studies beyond the graduate certificate with options for a diploma and then masters.

The speakers who were very experienced and experts in their field was great. I enjoyed listening to them recounting their tales of time spent in disaster areas.

I have developed skills in the preparation for and recovery from disasters. I was also able to hone my skills in the response to a disaster including forming the command, control, and coordination structure.

I’ve also formed a long-lasting network of colleagues with similar interests.

I am an Emergency Physician at Royal Melbourne Hospital. I treat a wide variety of simple to complex patients including those with significant trauma.

I really enjoy the challenge being able to diagnose, resuscitate and treat different patients. I also love the satisfaction and privilege of being able to comfort people on what can be the worst day of their life.

I am expanding my portfolio at work in disaster medicine. I also plan to do some work with disaster agencies in the future to assist with communities with immediate disaster responses.