MrMatt Hall

Relationships sit at the centre of my academic identity. I strive to be approachable to all, whether a conversation relates to clinical practice, teaching, assessment, wellbeing or professional development. Working across both Deakin University and Barwon Health allows me to connect academic learning with contemporary healthcare practice and create meaningful education experiences for students.

My clinical expertise offers clear advantages as an educator at Deakin. Working as a Clinical Practice Educator at Deakin Medical School Geelong-Barwon, managing the year three Surgery A and B portfolio. While Clinical Nurse Consulting at Barwon Health, overseeing the short stay joint replacement program under Orthopaedics and Anaesthetic, Perioperative Medicine Departments, positioning me to deliver evidence-based, professionally relevant teaching. An example of transferring clinical expertise to Deakin is my recent attendance to the annual Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Conference in Singapore. Following discussions with my Barwon Health Supervisor Dr Rachel Shanks, and Deakin Geelong-Barwon Director Cameron Shaw, we agreed to introduce a scaffolded Perioperative Medicine session in year three. Encouraging students to move beyond diagnosis and basic surgical management, considering patient optimisation, risk assessment, multidisciplinary care, and recovery planning.

My work focuses on preparing students to become safe, reflective and collaborative practitioners. Through curriculum review, simulation, remediation, student wellbeing initiatives and clinical skills education, I contribute to learning environments that build translatable skills, discipline-specific capability, critical thinking, communication skills, teamwork and professional responsibility.

Psychological safety is prominent in my work. Whether supporting students through difficult study periods, contributing to faculty-wide wellbeing initiatives, or research exploring breathing techniques during clinical assessment. My goal is to help students perform at their true capability while developing perpetual skills.

My contribution to the education and healthcare systems are helping students actualise the journey when transitioning from learner to practitioner. Combining clinical expertise with educational practice and individualised support, I aim to improve student experience, graduate readiness, patient outcomes and the healthcare system.