Inspired by 25 Years of PMC – A Personal Reflection
A quarter of a century in the making, this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Pam McLean Centre. From shortly after the turn of the millennium to present day, PMC has strived to be a leader of developing communication skills of Australian healthcare professionals. As well as working with professionals within the industry, we’re also proud of our longstanding opportunity to work with the next generations of medical students within Sydney Medical School at the University of Sydney.
Everyone involved from day one to 2026 deserves a big congratulations for this monumental achievement. One that could only be reached through the culmination of contributions from a diverse and caring cohort from various walks of life.
But what is PMC about?
Now, don’t worry! This won’t be a history lesson. Though if you are interested in learning more about our proud history, please read about it here.
Rather, I’m going to discuss some of my personal experiences and observations over the last 5 years working with PMC and what it means to me (and hopefully highlight what PMC, and good communication, is about).
In October of 2021, I interviewed for the Administration Officer role. I was more hopeful than confident, with 2.5 years of experience in my current role at the University of Wollongong, but looking to take a big jump both in moving to one of the biggest universities in the world, as well as a higher role with greater responsibilities. I was nervous but excited, and I could reel off my key achievements in great detail by heart.
A pivotal moment during the interview in my mind is when I was asked “what do you know about PMC” to which I replied “nothing”. I didn’t try to make something up. I didn’t try to quickly find the website on my phone. I’d discussed everything I could bring to the role, everything I wanted to achieve, but knew nothing of PMC as an organisation.
I simply told the truth. Just as I had outlined my weaknesses alongside my strengths. Just as I had discussed my wealth of experience in some areas in contrast with little experience in others.
Many people would’ve felt that was the end of the interview (in some ways, I did too!) but I soldiered on and when it came to my turn to ask questions to the panel, amongst my myriad of questions I asked to learn more about PMC.
There’s no nail-biting cliffhanger or plot twist here – I got the job. Not because of how little or much I knew about PMC, but I believe because of my qualities when it came to communicating. I kept asking for each respective question to be repeated, as I wanted to answer in such detail that I kept forgetting where I’d started. I probably asked more questions at the end than most candidates would dare to consider (and sent several more in a lengthy post-interview email!). And I demonstrated that I wasn’t concerned by what I didn’t know, but that I was ready to learn about it.
That nurturing of an individual to be the best version of themselves, with particular focus on communication skills, is PMC to me.
The approach to feedback from the senior team of PMC is a good example of this. Rather than doing it now and again when mandated by the university, I receive consistent feedback throughout the working year consisting of praise where due and suggestions for improvements where possible. This to me represents constructive feedback in the truest sense. And it must have rubbed off on me, as I always look to make feedback part of my conversation with stakeholders, whilst simultaneously looking for ways to gain the greatest feedback possible from everyone.
Ideas and suggestions are never ruled out immediately; they’re openly invited, acted upon if readymade, or developed into something more if there’s potential. The word “no” doesn’t automatically factor into our conversations as a time-saving exercise. My self-motivation is encouraged; I’m supported to try new things and expand my scope; and everything is worth discussing. My opinion always feels valued whether agreed with or not, and I’m provided the opportunity to express myself in open dialogue. In other words: active listening and empowering of others is just as important when it comes to good communication skill as what you say.
That focus on the development of others is a key part of my view of what PMC is about. It has allowed me to take on a unique role and run with it, turning it into something very different to when I started, with new opportunities and challenges year-on-year. Inclusion by the senior team in key discussions and actions has empowered me to be more actively aware of, and develop my passion for, leadership including my dedication to accountability and development of others, working through and embracing change, as well as collaboration and working effectively. I’ve felt inspired to actively look for chances to be a mentor to colleagues. And networking shouldn’t be limited to attending a social event once every blue moon; rather it’s a conscientious and continuous effort across years of work to develop continuing relations with all stakeholders, including showing an interest in that individual as a person and fostering a sense of community.
Another important consideration is that conversations aren’t always positive, and certainly aren’t always easy. Working alongside, and being exposed to, the communication styles of people both highly skilled and passionate about communication approaches and frameworks, has developed my ability to navigate more complex conversations. Whether that be finding a solution to a problem for a client or supporting a colleague going through a difficult period, for example. I’ve looked to take great moments of communication shown by colleagues and integrate them into my own approach, recognising the strengths of each person’s communication style.
Having said that, communication doesn’t need to be difficult by default, and going the extra mile can be as simple as an extra line or two in an email. That combination of great work ethic, whilst being open and approachable as a person, being another quality I recognise within the PMC team. I’m always looking for opportunities to learn more about the person(s) I’m talking with, sharing little bits about myself, and always searching for opportunities to discuss improvements and/or invite questions. Whilst trying to ensure my communications are always concise and productive! Though I admit I’m guilty of sometimes sending a second email right after the first (I like to think usually from inspiration, rather than momentarily forgetting something).
So what do I think about when it comes to good communication? I see good communication as a bit like a picnic table at a party. You have a diverse group of people coming together for a common goal, bringing their unique dishes and interesting stories, with a view to having a collectively great experience. Each person is looking to be heard, to listen to others, and make their distinct contribution. It’s a situation of give-and-take; to give your best and support others, whilst taking that which is given to you and looking to interpret and incorporate the good bits into your repertoire. It’s recognising that nobody has come to the table looking for a bad experience, an argument, or to diminish your contribution/experience. There might be a situation of that one uncle who cracks one too many jokes, or perhaps a cousin who says few words. Yet the opportunity for great communication through recognising their individuality, preferred communication style, and looking to support them to communicate to the best of their ability, is always there.
As for PMC, I see something constantly changing and exciting. A supportive and passionate group of people pooling their unique talents and ideas into something greater than the sum of its parts. An environment with the eternal capacity for people to learn, develop, and improve within the sphere of communication skills. An organisation producing bespoke work and filling a niche in the market. Though most importantly perhaps, when I think of PMC I think of good friends, great experiences, and cherished memories.
