Antonia Skarligos – My Journey Through CSC

My Central Sydney Cardiology (CSC) journey began as a 17-year-old fresh out of high school. I began in the filing team where I was welcomed and supported by colleagues who provided me with organisational skills required for a busy cardiology practice. Following my initial year, I was offered a position to be trained to process and type doctors’ letters, where I was exposed to medical terminology and a wide range of heart conditions, investigations and treatment options. I worked part-time in filing and processing letters for three years whilst completing an undergraduate Bachelor Degree in Health Science.

Over the course of my study, CSC supported my learning and further development in clinical skills by teaching me how to apply and interpret ECG’s and record patient blood pressures. Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, I decided to work full-time at CSC in a secretarial role where I learnt and enhanced my clinical skills and continued to develop excellent communication and active listening skills, particularly with patients when expressing their concerns.

After one year of working full time in a secretarial role, I was fortunate enough to be able to work closely with A/Prof Michele McGrady and assisted her with administrative tasks. During this time, I observed A/Prof McGrady deliver such exceptional quality care. She always displayed a wonderful bedside manner and at all times provided her patients with the best quality care. Following my year of full-time work, I was accepted into the Masters in Physiotherapy Program. I continued to work at CSC for another two years working closely with A/Prof McGrady and in a secretarial role.

Throughout the 6 years of working at CSC, I was educated about the importance of exceptional bedside manner, that all people deserve high quality healthcare and that communication between all members of the healthcare team is vital to deliver such a high standard of quality care. These are skills and qualities that I hope to carry throughout my own healthcare journey. I am so grateful and thank CSC for the teachings I have learnt during my time.

Antonia Skarligos – Physiotherapist