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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Improved treatment in advanced-stage Hodgkin lymphoma
A global clinical trial successfully reduced toxicity and side effects in advanced stage Hodgkin lymphoma patients by using a modified treatment regimen.
Australian Health Journal spoke with Professor Mark Hertzberg in his role in the ALLG HD10 Clinical Trial and as a former Chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Australasian Leukaemia & Lymphoma Group (ALLG), an organisation involved in improving the treatments and lives of blood cancer patients.
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Implementing improvements in referral management and demand
Nalani Cox joined Gold Coast Health in 2019 as a Nurse Manager focused on improving referral management processes within the outpatient environment through the implementation of the Clinical Prioritisation Criteria. This work became a focus point for the organisation in 2020 when Nalani led an organisational wide change project introducing Smart Referrals, Refer Your Patient website and HealthPathways which has culminated in her position as the ADON of the Referral Strategy and Performance Department.
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Funding roadblocks creating digital health inequity
Helen Souris, CEO and Executive Director of Cardihab and Chair of the Digital Health Advisory Group at the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA), highlights the significant gap in cardiac rehabilitation access across Australia. Despite the proven benefits of cardiac rehabilitation in improving survival, quality of life, and reducing hospital admissions, around 80% of eligible patients do not receive this care, with access rates even lower in regional and rural communities.
