Rod Freyer

I am currently in the second year of my PhD candidature and am studying externally whilst working full time in the public health system in northern NSW. My original training was in Occupational Therapy and in 1996 I completed a Master of Health Administration degree at UNSW. My research focuses on the effectiveness of the communication patterns and strategies of health service managers. There is very little literature on this but with the growing demands placed on health facilities I believe my findings will be of direct interest and use to health managers.

There are challenges associated with being part time and external. Regular and effective contact with my supervisors is critical to success. In my case we phone, email, fax and meet face to face. The meetings are especially valuable for brainstorming, in-depth discussion, detailed analysis of written material and building a team relationship for what is a long term endeavour. Video-conferencing may in future be another useful tool for external students but I can't see this being a substitute for face to face visits.

I appreciate the flexible, accessible and supportive supervision I am receiving and the efficient and comprehensive external library access. The University also has a mail-out to external students with information alumni activities, scholarships etc, a lively Postgraduate Student Association and a Research Office, which offers a range of services to assist research students. Equipment loans and computer and lounge facilities are available when I visit the campus. Among the rewards of undertaking doctoral studies is the satisfaction of breaking new ground and of having responsibility for a sizeable project of one's own choosing. All in all I feel fortunate to be associated with the School of Health Services Management and the Centre for Public Health, with their long-standing reputation and their well-developed links with other reputable bodies, both national and international.