LK Connect Women in Healthcare

Facilitator Carolyn Corrigan (’73)was joined by a panel of talented ex-students working at the hospital, and a very engaged audience of Loreto Kirribilli ex-students, parents and students. Carolyn is a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) Coordinator, and Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator at St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney, as well as serving as Mayor of Mosman Council.

Our distinguished guest speaker was Associate Professor Tony Dodds MB BS (HONS) FRACP FRCPA, Medical Director of SydPath and Consultant Haematologist, St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney, and Associate Professor (Conjoint) Faculty of Medicine, UNSW. Tony noted how the values of Loreto Kirribilli and St Vincent’s Hospital are aligned, with service of the poor always a priority for the hospital. He also spoke of the importance of mentoring, a theme that was echoed throughout the evening.

Panellists included Jessica Cunningham (’11), a Nurse Unit Manager in the Heart Lung Clinic at St Vincent’s Health Network; Caitlin Redfearn (’13), Clinical Nurse Educator in Interventional Radiology and Medical Imaging; Dr Lisa Raven (’07), Consultant Endocrinologist and Honorary Medical Officer at St Vincent’s Hospital; Sophie Lynn (‘15), Research Assistant for Network Biology, Cancer Division at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research; and Cristina Lucas (’15), Registered Nurse in Haematology with St Vincent’s Health Network.

The panellists spoke of the importance of care, teamwork, mentoring, commitment, empathy and respect for one another. The evening helped to highlight the variety of roles within the healthcare sector, leaving our audience more informed, curious and inspired to explore all opportunities. In the words of a parent, “To see past students and young women thriving is a great inspiration, and mind-broadening experience that will make an impact on how our daughters think about what is possible beyond Loreto Kirribilli.”

It was truly inspirational to hear from successful women with a passion for their profession, who have a tremendous impact on people’s lives; ‘making a difference’ and living out the values of a Loreto Kirribilli education. 

These networking evenings are invaluable and provide an opportunity for our ex-students, senior students and parents to connect with one another, open lines of communication and form valued relationships and share knowledge amongst trailblazers in our community.

Many thanks to St. Vincent’s Curran Foundation for hosting this event and to our brilliant ex-students who made the evening a resounding success.