Wendy Swan

Raised on a farm north of Shepparton, Wendy attended to university with a bursary program, designed to attract health professionals to regional areas.

In return, she was bonded to work two years at GV Health.

“I was never going to stay working regionally, but here I am,” she said.

Back then, Allied Health was small: one dietitian (Wendy), one speech pathologist, one occupational therapist, and a handful of physios. No one really knew what dietitians did.

“There were no processes, so we had to figure it out, build respect, and prove how we could help patients,” Wendy said.

Today, GV Health has around 20 dietitians across a broad range of programs.

Wendy recalls her early career as a mix of challenges and opportunities.

One of the most unusual was appearing on local TV station GMV6, answering live questions on nutrition without media training.

“It taught me resilience and humility and how to be a careful filter of information.”

Another was quietly pushing back against white coats.

“Everyone wore them, but I hated the barrier they created,” Wendy said.

“So I sewed myself a shorter coat, then eventually stopped wearing it.

“No one objected.

“Sometimes small changes matter.”

Over the decades, her career has spanned acute care, community health, chronic disease, oncology, management, and research.

She completed a Masters through the University Department of Rural Health and has mentored countless young clinicians.

“Watching Allied Health grow in strength and seeing graduates become confident leaders has been incredibly rewarding.”

Wendy briefly tested metro life with a job swap in Melbourne, but found regional practice gave her broader experience.

“It confirmed this is where I belonged.”

Looking back, she’s most proud of the people she’s worked with and the patients who have inspired her.

“Their resilience gives this work meaning.”

After four decades, her advice is simple:

“Start broad, be patient, and build relationships,” Wendy said.

“Growth often begins with discomfort.

“I never planned to stay 40 years, but I always found purpose here and that’s what keeps you coming back.”