Monash University allied health students recognised at insurance industry awards

Margaret Murray (centre) with
 industry mentors Stephanie Catalucci
 and Fiona Robinson.

Department of Nutrition and Dietetics student Margaret Murray was the joint first prize winner at the recent Monash University – MLC ALUCA scholarships awards event.

Insurance company MLC and the Australasian Life Underwriting & Claims Association (ALUCA) offer Monash University students an opportunity to be recognised and rewarded for their work in an insurance industry collaboration award.

To be considered for the prize, health students prepare responses to key questions facing underwriting and claims professionals in the insurance industry.

PhD student Margaret Murray submitted a 2000 word essay and presented to National Australia Bank (NAB) senior leaders and ALUCA board members about GP and allied health professionals’ training and educational support from insurance companies when their patient is making an insurance claim.

“I found the experience very enjoyable and I learnt a lot about the insurance industry and how under-recognised it is among health professionals as a source of support for patients,” said Margaret, who received $2500 for equal first prize.

“Through my research, I found there is very little support, training, and education for health professionals and students, so my essay and presentation focussed on my recommendations to improve the situation.”

“The strategies I developed included increasing collaboration and communication between insurance companies and health professionals and incorporating some life insurance curriculum into the relevant undergraduate health degrees,” added Margaret.

Associate Dean of Allied Health at Monash University Professor Jenny Keating said the awards program was set up to promote the importance of industry engagement between health care professionals and the insurance sector.

“This initiative invites one student from each professional discipline in our Faculty to learn about issues affecting the insurance industry,” said Professor Keating.

“Our students’ presentations at the awards event were truly incredible—the team of executive managers from NAB and ALUCA marvelled at the innovation, endeavour, capability and enthusiasm of our students.”