The career and research opportunities expected to flow from the new Sunshine Coast University Hospital have inspired new University of the Sunshine Coast graduate Nick Dootson to advance his clinical investigation skills.

The 23-year-old from Morayfield, who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, is now studying USC’s Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science.

“I want to take advantage of the fantastic opportunities that USC offers to develop a well-rounded career in the medical industry,” said Nick, a Morayfield High School senior in 2010.

He said USC’s Medical Laboratory Science program would allow him to further advance his practical science skills to understand, prevent and treat human diseases.

It included hands-on training in clinical investigations that ranged from analysing the cells of the body to haematology, the study of blood and related organs.

“I want to be in the best possible position to make good use of the opportunities that will come with the opening of the new public hospital at Kawana,” he said.

The hospital will be one of the largest employers on the Sunshine Coast when the first stage opens next year. As a tertiary teaching hospital, it will serve as a training facility and operate significant health and medical research programs including partnerships with USC.

— Clare McKay