Nuclear medicine scientist, Matthew Haase, is a living example of one of Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) aims to meet the needs of the regional workforce.

 

Mr Haase graduated from CSU with Distinction with a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine) in 2006.

 

After professional experience in Sydney and Canberra, Mr Haase started work at Regional Imaging Riverina in Wagga Wagga two and a half years ago.

 

Four months ago, the CSU graduate was appointed the company’s Nuclear Medicine Manager.

 

“I was eager to return to regional NSW where I grew up,” Mr Haase said. “I feel that there are more career advancement opportunities, especially at well equipped centres like Regional Imaging Riverina. You have the opportunity to do exactly the same work as your city counterparts, but can do so in a far more relaxed and caring environment. Regional NSW also offers a great environment to live in. It is more affordable and a more relaxed lifestyle than cities such as Sydney.”

 

Senior Lecturer with the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences at CSU in Wagga Wagga, Dr Janelle Wheat said, “Matthew has had an exemplary career to date and now is back in regional Australia working in a management role in his chosen field.

 

“The demand for our medical imaging and nuclear medicine graduates is very strong which is demonstrated by our 100 per cent employment rate for Matthew and his classmates.  Regional Australia appreciates our graduates as they are very independent, resilient and reliable.

 

“In his short time at the helm at Regional Imaging Riverina, Matthew has overseen expansion in the nuclear medicine facility including the recent addition of a state-of-the-art SPECT/CT system that includes capability for high quality SPECT, high quality diagnostic CT and fusion imaging between SPECT and CT; all in one device that is only the second of its kind installed anywhere in Australia.

 

“That's the kind of leadership and vision we install in our graduates at Charles Sturt University," Dr Wheat said.

 

Charles Sturt University recently appointed its first Professor of Medical Imaging with the recruitment of Rob Davidson. The new position comes as CSU’s new four-year Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science starts in 2011. The program offers specialisations in medical imaging and nuclear medicine. Read more about Professor Davidson here.