Postgraduate Certificate in Patient Safety and Quality Improvement

Kelly Smitham 

Director, Ignis Consulting 

BSocSc, MHSM 

Kelly has spent 23 years working in social care in Australia, primarily in community-based home care. After spotting systemic inefficiencies, and determined to create better working conditions for staff, Kelly is now a social care consultant working with organisations across the country. Her work focuses on the development of strategic quality frameworks that elevate quality from a compliance function to a true organisational priority. Eager to deepen her understanding of how improvement happens at all levels of a system, she opted to pursue the Postgraduate Certificate in Surgical Science and Practice. 

What has been the most rewarding aspect of the programme so far and how has it influenced how you perform in the workplace? 

'This programme has completely changed the way I think about quality improvement,” Kelly shares. “In the early stages of my career, I too developed beautifully detailed 50-page policies that no one ever read, despite my best intentions. I used to think I was doing a great job. This course made me rethink everything in the best way possible.' 

One of the most rewarding aspects of the programme has been embracing the discomfort of challenging her own expertise. 'You come in thinking you are fairly knowledgeable, and then you’re immersed in new perspectives and information. It’s humbling and invaluable.'

Beyond the learning, Kelly highlights the deep sense of community among participants. 'I’ll be connected with the people I've met in this programme forever. It’s rare to find such a special network.' 

What are some personal or professional opportunities or challenges this programme helped you address? 

'I have formed meaningful connections with professionals across the world. I know I have so many highly skilled experts I can lean on in my consulting work.” More than that, the course has boosted her confidence. “It’s never as simple as you think it is. Seeing how all levels of an organisation interact has given me a much more nuanced view of improvement.'

What was a key differentiator about this programme compared other, similar programmes? 

For Kelly, the international perspective was a major draw. 'I've not come across another programme like this in Australia or globally. Learning from global experts and bringing that knowledge back home has been incredibly valuable.' 

What are two characteristics of a healthcare professional who would benefit most from this programme? 

Kelly believes this programme is ideal for healthcare professionals who: 

• Recognise that healthcare is more than just technical skills. “People who choose this course are naturally curious about what’s happening around their own practice area.” 
• Are eager to challenge their own knowledge. 'Especially for those who have been in their field for a long time, this programme forces you to rethink old assumptions.' 

How has the programme served as a stepping stone to your future goals? 

Beyond expanding her knowledge, Kelly has seen tangible professional benefits. 'There’s a lot of recognition and credibility that comes with a qualification from Oxford. It’s opened doors and given me validation to get into rooms where conversations happen.'

More importantly, it’s ignited a new passion for learning. 'This programme has expanded my vision for my career in ways I never expected.'