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National Science Week 2023 Spotlight - Paul Healy 14 August 2023 This year's National Science Week, PathWest shines a spotlight on our regional medical scientists. Meet Paul Healy, a Medical Scientist in Charge at PathWest Kununurra. When asked when Paul knew he wanted to pursue a career in science, Paul shared, 'I first realised that I might like to pursue a career in science when I was in my final two years of high school.I really enjoyed human biology and chemistry and I wondered if there might be a pathway that could somehow combine the two subjects.Just before my university final entrance exams, I attended a number of university career nights, and came across the course Bachelor of Science (Medical Science) being offered at Curtin University (renamed Bachelor of Science (Laboratory Medicine). This sparked my interest because it wasn’t something I was aware that existed. I was naïve (like most) of the belief that doctors and nurses der... -
Our role in early detection of rare genetic disorders in newborns - thanks to PathWest Diagnostic Genomics and Clinical Biochemistry Newborn Bloodspot Screening laboratory teams 04 August 2023 The WA Newborn Bloodspot Screening (NBS) Program is one of the WA health system’s most important and successful population health programs. All babies born in WA are eligible for screening for the detection of around 27 groups of extremely serious but treatable inherited conditions. PathWest NBS Laboratory manages the Program and laboratory analysis of over 30,000 bloodspots each year. Of those, around 60 babies are identified with a specific disorder amenable to early detection and treatment. They are referred to medical specialists at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) for urgent care and further diagnostic testing by PathWest, giving these babies the best chance of leading as normal and healthy a life as possible. For several disorders, analysis is time critical. The PathWest metropolitan and regional laboratories play a major role with the efficient and fast transport of s... -
Chemical Pathologist and AMA WA’s new president shares useful information related to heart disease 04 August 2023 PathWest congratulates Dr Michael Page for his appointment as the new president of Australian Medical Association WA (AMA (WA)). Between work, family and his new role at AMA (WA), Michael spends his spare time completing a PhD under the supervision of Prof Gerald Watts, Dr Jing Pang, and fellow PathWest chemical pathologist A/Prof Damon Bell. His PhD focuses on the cause of high cholesterol that runs in families, and cause heart disease at a young age. As a chemical pathologist, one of the things Michael is interested in is lipoprotein(a) (pronounced ‘lipoprotein-little-A’). About lipoprotein(a) An under-recognised, but extremely important particle that carries cholesterol in the bloodstream, lipoprotein(a) is not popularly known as opposed to low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol). LDL-cholesterol is usually included when a GP tests for cholesterol. On the o... -
Congratulations to our Employee of the Season Makuru 2023 winner 04 August 2023 Aaron Mowe has worked with PathWest for over 18 years in multiple roles. Currently a Laboratory Technician at the Media Manufacturing Facility, FSH Microbiology, Aaron is someone who always steps up to fill a need as he selflessly commits time to deal with impromptu issues and ensure the workplace runs smoothly, safely and efficiently as possible. Aaron is a great example of an employee embracing and living the PathWest values. He understands the vital role the Media Manufacturing Facility plays in ensuring our laboratory services are maintained to support the health of the WA community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the facility was producing many litres of virus transport medium not only for PathWest but also for private laboratories state-wide and internationally (New York City). Aaron was instrumental in ensuring the rapid increase in product was achieved and delivered at a high sta... -
PathWest intra-discipline collaboration improves WA population health 04 August 2023 The WA Newborn Bloodspot Screening (NBS) Program is one of the WA health system’s most important and successful population health programs. All babies born in WA are eligible for screening for the detection of around 27 groups of extremely serious but treatable inherited conditions. PathWest NBS Laboratory manages the Program and laboratory analysis of over 30,000 bloodspots each year. Around 60 babies are identified with a specific disorder amenable to early detection and treatment. They are referred to medical specialists at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) for urgent care and further diagnostic testing by PathWest, giving these babies the best chance of leading as normal and healthy a life as possible. For several disorders, analysis is time critical. The PathWest metropolitan and regional laboratories play a major role with the efficient and fast transport of samples to ...
Last Updated:
20/05/2025