Hi everybody, and sorry for the lack of posts recently. There have been some big things happening in my work life. In short – out with the old and in with the new!
The first piece of news is my resignation from the University of Western Sydney. After six years as an Associate Lecturer in the Naturopathy Program, it was finally time to say goodbye. As some of you would know, the School of Biomedical & Health Sciences in which I worked decided in 2008 to close the Naturopathy Program, so there have been no new intakes since then. The program was due to finish teach out at the end of 2011, which meant that whilst the University was not communicating its intentions in regards to my position, it was clear that there was little point in me staying. Whilst I miss the students and wish them all the very best in the last 18 months of their studies, I certainly do not miss the institution.
The second piece of news is my appointment as Program Director – Natural Therapies at the Australasian College of Natural Therapies. This week was my first week in this position, where I will be responsible for overseeing the Naturopathy, Western Herbal Medicine, Nutrition, Homoeopathy, and Aromatic Medicine courses.
This is an exciting new challenge for me, and this week has been very much about getting my head around the systems, course structures and roles. I have to say the change is very nice, and I am really enjoying working as part of a supportive team with a sense of purpose and direction.
It is also interesting to be back at ACNT after all these years. It is great to see a few of the lecturers whom I remember from years ago, and many others who were former students of mine and are now themselves passing on their knowledge and experience.
The job is huge, with lots of change happening quite swiftly. Change of any sort always carries with it some difficulties and pain, but the direction is positive, and it is so nice to again be part of an institution which is actually committed to natural medicine.