Allied Health Social Work graduate David Ng brings a strong sense of justice, willingness to learn and bird themed scrubs to his new social worker role at the Kingston Centre.
‘I think there should be more people in fun printed scrubs, and I just love birds, especially cockatoos of all kinds,’ he said.
Despite never previously completed a hospital-based placement, David and his bird-themed scrubs have made a flying start in the Allied Health graduate program at Monash Health.
‘It sounded like an exciting opportunity, and I thought a hospital would be an interesting, bustling place to be and there would be a big team and lots of support,’ David said.
‘I thought it would be a good spot for a new graduate.’
While the hospital environment has been a ‘whole new world’ for this budding social worker, David said he’s been really enjoying it since he started two months ago.
‘I get to have lots of chats with patients and their families as a part of my social work assessment which includes determining the kinds of supports that are available to them at home or elsewhere, such as through a residential aged care pathway,’ he said.
After graduating from RMIT with a Master of Social Work, it was a no-brainer for David to get his start in the public health sector.
‘I like the idea of public health because it’s for everyone, and accessible to everyone regardless of your income,’ he said.
Before deciding to pursue a new career in Social Work in Allied Health, he previously worked in administration at a not-for-profit and was inspired by his social worker colleagues.
‘During COVID-19 I missed the human interaction element in my role, and I wanted to try to do some sort of positive thing in the world,’ he said.
‘It feels right – the patient interactions are the best part, and I really enjoy being able to support them and their families, and I feel like I’m making a difference,’ David said.
Having a strong sense of justice is something David thinks is critical to success in his new field.
‘You need to have a sense of what’s right and wrong, and be patient-centred, because that’s the most important thing,’ he said.
‘Social work is so important because you play a pivotal role in managing people’s expectations and providing emotional support.
‘Given how challenging life and health transitions really are, being able to counsel people and provide them support and information presented in a kind and sensitive way is key.’
David is one of over 120 Allied Health graduates who have been successful at obtaining a placement within our Allied Health graduate program in 2025.
Please make our graduates feel welcome and supported as they continue to settle into their new roles.
To find out more about allied health graduate and early career opportunities at Monash Health, all are welcome to register to attend the Monash Health Allied Health Early Career Webinar on Tuesday 13 May.
