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
-
Retaining a clinical perspective in macro level changes
Dr Shona Sundaraj BAppSc (Phty), MBBS, FRACGP, MBA is Group Medical Director at Medibank, bringing over two decades of clinical and systems experience to strategy, research and stakeholder engagement. She leads the Medibank Better Health Research Hub and Chairs the Health Research Governance Committee, guiding stakeholder engagement, competitive grant rounds and partnerships with universities, translational research centres and peak bodies to support evidence based improvement in care.
-
Autonomy in Emergency Nurse Practitioner role
Stefanie Edson is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner specialising in Emergency Care, with a strong commitment to improving patient outcomes. As the Tasmanian State Chapter Secretary for the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP), Stefanie advocates for the growth and recognition of the Nurse Practitioner profession across Tasmania and beyond.
-
Interview with Kylie Ward, CEO Australian College of Nursing
Kylie Ward, CEO Australian College of Nursing spoke with Anne Dao from Australian Health Journal, at last week’s Australian Healthcare Week Expo on the vital role of the nursing professional.
Australian College of Nursing oversees 390,000 nurses in Australia and is the national leader in the nursing profession.
Changes in nursing policy are needed in areas of aged care, chronic disease and workforce sustainability. There are forecasts of shortages in nursing by the year 2025 of 80,000 and by 2030 the number growing by 125,000.
Kylie also mentioned the new Nursing Trailbrazers Award that has been recognised by Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunt. The 4 finalists have been recognised for influencing models of care, and implementing game changing initiatives across the country. They will be presented at the Nursing Now Australia event held by the ACN on 9th April.
