Dr Marco Giuseppin
BPharm(Hons) MBBS MPH MHLM JCCA FACRRM GAICD
Executive Director Medical Services & Clinical Governance, NNSWLHD
Dr Marco Giuseppin has most recently worked with Queensland Health. His previous role was Clinical Service Director at the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, where he led a diverse team of clinical professionals while enabling the integration of clinical governance standards across multiple domains.
Dr Giuseppin is committed to innovative care models that result in improved patient outcomes and enhanced efficiency – he has a particular interest in the use of virtual and out-of-hospital care to improve patient flow and strengthen partnership between the public health and primary healthcare sector.
Crossing the border for the Northern NSW Local Health District
Brisbane-born Dr Marco Giuseppin has lived and worked around rural and regional areas of Queensland for most of his adult life, but his new role with the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) has seen him move south of the border as the Executive Director of Medical Services & Clinical Governance, NNSWLHD.
Dr Giuseppin says his new job covers a myriad of duties. ‘No two days are the same in the world of leadership, and it’s never entirely predictable!
‘With such a large organisation spanning a large geographic footprint, my day can involve dealing with challenges that may arise at any one of our sites, helping build new services, advocating for our region at the state or national level, and so much more.’
Passionate about regional and rural health
Dr Giuseppin says he is passionate about regional and rural health. ‘I feel that often regional health services are seen as “lesser than” some of our city colleagues. Being able to identify, celebrate, and advocate for the great work that we do in Northern NSW every day is what I really enjoy the most.’
But, leadership definitely has its challenges. ‘In my role I am often faced with difficult and sensitive issues that have to be navigated with care and respect for all involved – our patients, staff, and the community. Managing these issues is often very challenging, and I learn something new from every experience.’
We don’t always end up on the path we set out on
Dr Giuseppin says the pandemic changed a lot of things for a lot of people and it certainly had an effect oh his career. ‘During COVID I accidentally found myself being involved heavily with health leadership and advocacy.
‘I say that my career has been a “series of happy accidents” – and during that time I discovered the incredible value in being able to advocate for rural and regional communities. I wondered if there was any way that I could do this in a more substantial way across the health sector (and actually get paid for it) and then suddenly this pathway opened up for me.
‘It definitely wasn’t where I though I would find myself after medical school, but again, another one of my “happy accidents”.
As is turns out there are lots of paths. Mrs Giuseppin thought her son Marco would make a great engineer, and he toyed with the idea of being a commercial pilot for a while (Marco is a licensed flyer). ‘Ultimately though, I think the pull of connection and wanting to understand people’s stories was always going to draw me to a career in health.’
Does he have a motto?
Dr Giuseppin has good life advice (particularly if you are a Trekky). ‘Maybe I am betraying my nerdiness here, but, I am an avid Star Trek fan. I like this famous quote from The Next Generation – “It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness, that is life”. It sounds morbid, but I think it reflects well the complexities of life, and of health.
‘I think we shouldn’t be afraid to say “yes” to new things, or to make mistakes and learn from them.’
*This story and video was produced with the assistance of the NSW Department of Regional NSW Regional Growth Fund
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