[swannies1983 (Dan)]

Originally Posted by Kunama

Hey Dan, Glad to hear the job is going well for you. Dealing with fatalities is never easy especially so soon into a new situation. Sometimes they stay on your mind for a long time. I attended five deaths in my first two weeks in the ACT Police back in 1979 including a cot death and can still remember the little boy's name and address. You learn to accept it as a part of the parcel.

Just remember every now and then to unpack the scope and spend a few hours under the stars ....... it helps clear the mind!

Wow, that must have been quite difficult, particularly the cot death. No matter how much you are prepared, it still can hit pretty hard when it actually happens.

I'll be sure to take the scope out once we move. I won't have to get up so early once I'm closer to work.

Originally Posted by Larryp

Congratulations on the new career. One thing about medical-type careers, they are never boring!

Thanks . Yep, it's great that my job involves a number of tests in different areas of cardiology.

Originally Posted by Hans Tucker

I can only repeat what others have said...well done Dan. People like you (undertaking Honours degree and a PhD with family commitments) are an inspiration particularly due to the discipline and organisation that I believe it would take. You touched on an area (in red) that is rather shameful in this country. We have brilliant minds and very innovative people (even if some don't thinks so) but we fail to provide support. Either way goodluck in your new career and please provide updates.

Much appreciated. It just felt natural for me to progress from my undergrad degree, to Honours, to a PhD. I knew nothing else as study was my life. It was a shock once I completed my PhD in that I had to think of my work career. It was even more scary given the low success rate of getting funding for a postdoc fellowship and grants. It's disappointing that so many of our researchers end up going overseas due to the lack of opportunity here in Oz. But that's life when you rely heavily on Govt funding.

Originally Posted by Stardrifter_WA

Great news Hans, not easy starting a new career. Hope all goes well.

Cheers Peter

Thanks Peter. Yeah it hasn't been easy but it's great to learn something new.