CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH CAREERS IN MEDTECH Interactive speed networking session gives students direct access to professionals & insights into their career journeys
With
Laila Abdul Waheed, Associate
Regulatory, Digital and Policy
Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA)
Thaniya Panapiti,
Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist,
Medtronic Australasia
Deema Arraf,
Biomedical Engineering & Commerce Student
University of Sydney &
Student Volunteer
Medical Technology Association of Australia RegConnect Summit 2026
SEGMENT
Filmed in Sydney | October 2026
The Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) is the national peak body representing the MedTech industry. MTAA members deliver technologies spanning surgical robotics, diagnostic imaging, implantables, and digital health. MTAA partners with government, regulators, and clinicians to shape policy, expand patient access, and drive innovation across Australia’s health system.
The MedTech Match Student Career Development Session in partnership with Engineers Australia ran alongside MTAA’s RegConnect Summit 2026, and gave student volunteers the opportunity to learn about the Australian MedTech landscape, discussing what the industry looks like, where entry points exist, and how the device lifecycle maps to careers.
In a unique format, 8 pre-selected professionals rotated through small student groups in 8 minute rounds. Conversational and candid, and students heard what the work is really like, across the below fields of clinical affairs, product management, academia, regulatory/quality affairs, sales and marketing, government, service engineering and systems engineering.
Now in its second year, the format connects students directly with the range of professionals in an informal, high-energy speed networking format.
The Australian Health Journal spoke with the MC and 2 participants about the value of speed networking between students and professionals across the medical technology ecosystem. Their interviews highlighted the importance of firsthand industry insights, understanding career pathways and discovering opportunities beyond university study.
– Media access credit: RegConnect 2026 Summit | Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA)
Source: Written by Australian Heath Journal using session description from RegConnect Summit program
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Gavin Fox-Smith talks Medical Technology
Former Johnson & Johnson ANZ Managing Director, Gavin Fox-Smith on working in large & small MedTech companies
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Developing the next generation of medicines to target and enhance the microbiome
Australian Health Journal spoke to Associate Professor Sam Forster, Research Group Head
Microbiota and Systems Biology, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Team Leader, Australian Microbiome Culture Collection & Chief Scientific Officer, BiomeBank and Dr Sam Costello, Co-Founder and CEO of BiomeBank about the microbiome, partnering and some of the breakthroughs in recent years. -
Pathology technology at a crossroads
The CEO of Pathology Technology Australia, Dean Whiting spoke with Australian Health Journal about the following:
– Pathology Technology Australia’s key priorities in the coming years
– Current local capability in pathology technology compared to other countries
– How the health system supports change and adoption of pathology technology
– How pathology is perceived by the public and in government as well as how developments in pathology technology are followed and understood
– Observations in the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce ReportIn the lead up to the Australian Federal Budget in May 2023, Australian Health Journal reached out to peak health industry bodies to hear about their priorities, either noted in pre-budget submissions lodged with Federal Government in January 2023 or in recent forums such as the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce.
