Paramedicine, OOHC practice, health sciences and public health tuition by experienced tutor.

Find out more about Ric

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  Ask a kid, I didn't enjoy learning as much as the social dimension of school. I did have a natural curiosity and interest in nature and science and I loved to share what I learnt with anyone who would listen. The learning challenges I experienced have shaped my ability to break down complex ideas and explain them practically and simply so others can understand them.
  
  When I was studying Environmental Health at university, I began tutoring nurses privately and in small groups in anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology. I loved tutoring so much, I continued for many years while I worked as a paramedic. After a two decade career in Paramedicine, I began teaching for universities and colleges. When I discovered that I had the passion and skills help people learn, I realised that teaching was a way to leverage my time, energy and skills to help many more people than I could as a paramedic alone.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  Health sciences are my strong areas for teaching. I particularly enjoy assisting paramedics (EMTs to critical care), nurses, health science students reach their goals. Health care procedures, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, ECGs, drugs and medicines, mental health, trauma and leadership are all on my scope. These days, I draw on my master's degree is in Public Health to teach students in epidemiology, population, global and public health.
  
  Along the way, I have picked up a lot of English students who wish to study or register as Australian health care professionals. I assist them to prepare for their English tests. I went on to take a TEFL certificate in 2021 and embarked on teaching second language English students.
  
  I prefer to each adults and a mature young people.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  When I was about 10, I had a teacher point out my ability to comprehend natural science and explain it to others. Mrs Maddy, your encouragement and wise words inspired me to learn and to embark on a career as a teacher.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A good tutor:
  Understands how people learn in the real world (and the barriers to learning).
  
  Has the passion and creativity to create learning challenges for their student.
  
  Had a solid knowledge of the subjects/topics they teach but is open to and seeks new learning.
  
  Is patient, kind and a really good listener!

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  I taught a refugee from Iraq. I initially tutored him in English so he could go on to practice his health profession in Australia. A few years later, he reached out again and told me he was retraining as a Sonographer and asked for my help. I supported his health science learning and he now works as a vascular sonographer for a surgeon. He had me over to his new home for dinner recently, to thank me for helping him resettle and provide for his family. The learning he has done has changed his whole life trajectory. It is a absolute privilege to teach, because it changes people's lives!

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or are still facing in your subject?

  As a registered health worker, I practice ethically. I struggle everytime a student contacts me to 'just give them the answers', do an assignment for them, sit an online exam with them.
  
  I am a teacher who is passionate about imparting knowledge, fostering understanding, and developing skills in my students. I do understand the pressures students are under to pass, but I have also witnessed catastrophic errors and failures in healthcare from incompetent practice. I always refuse these requests.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I am passionate about science, science informed teaching and public policy. I am a secular humanist who cares about people and the planet.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions)?

  I am a lifelong learner, I love to teach and help students transform their own lives and go on to get great jobs and make a meaningful contribution to their community. I know that tutoring can make a world of difference, and Superprof is an excellent platform to link learners to teachers over the globe. With Superprof, there is a teacher out there for everyone, willing to help them, whenever, wherever and however they need that help.