Ling Tan
2nd Year Management Intern
Throughout my placements across four diverse healthcare organisations, I discovered a remarkable commonality in core values that shape their mission and work. Here are some of the values I resonate with most deeply:
- Curiosity
Curiosity is essential to driving organisational success. When curiosity is fostered within a team or organisation, employees are more likely to ask insightful questions and challenge the status quo. This culture not only helps identify inefficiencies within the healthcare system but also encourages the generation of new ideas and innovative solutions. As a result, healthcare services are better equipped to adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape.
On a personal level, I am deeply motivated by a strong desire to understand the “why” and “how” behind processes and decisions. I actively seek opportunities to improve workflows and optimise outcomes whenever I identify a more efficient or effective approach. These qualities—curiosity, problem-solving, and a commitment to continuous improvement—are essential for thriving in the fast-paced, ever-changing healthcare environment.
- Collaboration
Almost all health services list collaboration, or synonyms like partnership, teamwork and alliance, as one of their core values or strategic pillars. This is crucial in healthcare, as it takes a multitude of individuals working together to deliver safe, high-quality care to patients. In my personal experience, the saying “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together” could not be truer. Nearly all my projects required close collaboration with stakeholders from cross-functional teams, particularly when working in areas vastly different from my professional training.
One example of this was when I was tasked with writing an executive report on the impacts of the 2019 cyber-attack on Victorian public health services during my placement at Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA). To ensure that I could deliver a high-quality report, I collaborated closely with the Cyber Claims Specialist and Cyber Program Lead to:
- clarify and agree on the objective, scope and timeline of the work
- gather an overview of the incident
- identify the affected entities
- gain access to all the relevant internal claims reports.
From there, I conducted in-depth analyses, translating complex information into insights, and then presenting them in a digestible format. Once the draft report was complete, I sought feedback from both the Cyber Claims Specialist and the Cyber Program Lead before the final submission. By working closely with the subject matter experts, I was able to produce a concise report outlining the impacts from the incident and providing strategic insights that informed discussions and decision-making on internal cyber insurance policies and risk mitigation strategies.
- Innovation
Given the current challenges in healthcare—such as an aging population, rising rates of chronic illness, workforce shortages, and financial constraints—cultivating innovation has never been more critical.
During my final placement at Alfred Health, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the organisation’s strong commitment to research and innovation, which is prominently featured as one of the five strategic pillars in its latest strategic plan. This focus on innovation is deeply embedded in the hospital’s culture, with new developments and achievements frequently shared through announcements on the intranet. It’s not uncommon to see updates about individuals or teams pioneering novel approaches or breakthrough solutions.
A standout example is the recent treatment of a burns patient using skin grown from the patient’s own cells—developed in an Alfred Health laboratory in collaboration with Monash University. This cutting-edge treatment, considered a potential “holy grail” in burns care, showcases the remarkable work being done at Alfred Health and the power of innovation to transform patient outcomes.
- Kindness and Compassion
Compassion and kindness are foundational values that inspire many individuals to pursue careers in healthcare. In every healthcare organisation I’ve worked with, these values have been more than just words on a mission statement—they are actively embodied by professionals at all levels. From doctors and nurses to support staff and administrative personnel, all are united by a shared passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. This commitment is evident not only in the clinical expertise they bring to their roles but also in the way they approach patient care and interact with colleagues. It’s about how they show up for others, consistently going above and beyond to offer comfort, encouragement, and support in times of need. Ultimately, healthcare is not just about treating illnesses; it’s about treating people with dignity, respect, and understanding. It’s this combination of skill, empathy, and human connection that truly defines what it means to work in healthcare.