Join us in the last of our 2025 series of PHRM Network webinars as we focus on one of the more thought-provoking areas in prehospital and retrieval medicine - diversity, equity and inclusion in our PHRM workforces.
As PHRM grows as a subspecialty across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, this session aims to connect clinicians and to understand how we can work to shape, grow and sustain diverse PHRM workforces within our organisations, from grassroots to executive leadership teams. This is a key opportunity to engage with experienced clinicians in the diversity, equity and inclusion space in PHRM.
Hear from Alisha McFarlane, experienced intensive care paramedic, lecturer, PHD candidate. Alisha is a passionate advocate for gender equality in the paramedic profession and strengthening our workforce to better reflect and serve the communities we care for. Alisha will be presenting some of her research focusing on the experiences of female paramedics in Australia.
Dr Alana Harper, Deputy Medical Director of Northern Rescue Helicopter in New Zealand will then explore:
- How diversity can drive collaboration, innovation, and equity in pre-hospital and retrieval care - strengthening teamwork and advancing equitable care for our patients
- Strategies to attract, support, and sustain diversity in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand PHRM workforce
- Cultivating equity in recruitment, training, and leadership across PHRM organisations
- Shaping the next generation of inclusive leaders in emergency and retrieval medicine
When
Thursday 16 October 2025
Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm (AEDT)
3:00pm VIC and NSW
2:30am SA
1:30am NT
2:00pm QLD
12:00pm WA
5:00pm Aotearoa New Zealand
What to Expect
- A snapshot of the current PHRM network within ACEM
- Open discussion about the current lived experience of women in PHRM
- How we can influence and lead a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion from the ground up to the executive leadership team
- Q&A session with the speakers and opportunity to connect with likeminded colleagues
Whether you're a consultant, trainee, paramedic, nurse, or student – if you're interested in PHRM and want to be part of its future, we’d love you to attend.
Co-Chairs
Dr Natalie May
Dr Nicholas Bailey
Speakers
Alisha McFarlane
Alisha McFarlane is a registered Intensive Care Paramedic, Lecturer in Paramedicine at Charles Sturt University, and a PhD candidate at Monash University. Her research explores gender equality in paramedicine, with a focus on the social, structural, and cultural drivers of inequality. She is a passionate advocate for equity, inclusion, and cultural change across the health professions.
Dr Alana Harper FACEM
Emergency Medicine Specialist, Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai
Deputy Medical Director, Prehospital and Retrieval Medicine Doctor, Northern Rescue Helicopter Ltd