A heart for healthcare

Associate Professor Leanne (Lulu) Zalapa is a health industry leader with an extensive career in nursing and philanthropic services. Over the course of her 16-year tenure as CEO and Founder of the Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation, she raised some $50 million for infrastructure, research, equipment, and patient care projects including the Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre and the Louisa Hope Fund for Nurses. Lulu also launched other charities including Dry July and Dreams2Live4, and is currently an Adjunct Associate Professor in the UTS Faculty of Health. She has a Bachelor of Nursing (1993) from UTS.

Lulu, what did you enjoy most about your time at UTS?

I was already working as a nurse when I came to UTS, so I completed the bridging course to graduate with a Bachelor of Nursing. I enjoyed the learning experience, as the subjects were so varied and interesting. And learning to read and understand research outcomes through the statistics subject opened up a whole new world to me. 

What is one key lesson you learned at UTS that is still relevant to you today?

Reflection of practice. No matter what you do in your career, continue to practice reflection in order to move forward and improve your work. 

At UTS we had a subject about reflection on nursing. Being hospital-trained nurses, my fellow students and I reflected on how we learned with minimal classroom education. It was enlightening as we learned from each other, our seniors and our patients. In some respects, back then we had less formal knowledge but we were great nurses. 

What motivates you to achieve your goals?

Setting goals that I know are achievable – although in fundraising, I was set large goals but always felt I could achieve them by planning smaller goals that would lead to achieving the big goals. And importantly, I’m motivated by working with people who believe in me, as well as believing in myself.  

What was one turning point that changed your career, your life, or both?

I was working as one of the first Patient Access Managers at the Prince of Wales Hospital, and also had a position working in hospital media, when I was given the opportunity to start the Prince of Wales Hospital Foundation. I asked the General Manager at the time, ‘Why don’t you have a Foundation?’ and he answered, ‘Start one’. 

I put together a steering committee and 18 months later the Foundation was incorporated and ready to start raising money for the hospital. I then had to decide if I wanted to apply for the Foundation CEO role or continue my nursing career. Three restless nights ensued and I decided to take the chance to make the Foundation my best work. 

What do you think are the most valuable skills for new graduates entering the workforce?

Firstly, to have an insatiable curiosity, because during their degree students will not learn everything they need to know. And as we have seen only too recently, the landscape of the health sector is forever changing – mostly in small ways, but sometimes a huge shift is made.

It’s also vital that they continue to have a strong interest in evidence-based research and practice.

What change – in your industry, community, or society at large – would you like to help create in the next ten years?

I would like to see more research and education in the area of public health. And a move towards virtual care through wearables and telehealth, making the home the centre for patient care.  

Have you had to adapt and upskill throughout your career? How?

I have three postgraduate degrees, so yes, upskilling has been an important part of my working life.  Then when I moved into the philanthropic sector I continued to learn as much as I could, both in Australia and overseas.

Should you follow a carefully considered career path, or seek out the twists and turns?

My experience has shown that with a degree in nursing, there are so many opportunities outside of a career in bedside nursing. 

While living in Spain for five years, I wrote articles for English magazines, and also set up a doctor referral service for expats and visitors seeking clinicians who spoke their language. In Australia, I have had my own health consultancy and developed an accredited first aid course. Just to mention a few twists and turns! But this approach may not be for everyone.

Upcoming webinar: UTS Aluminated with Associate Professor Leanne (Lulu) Zalapa
'Healthcare and Philanthropy: An unforgettable 2020 International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife'
24 September 2020
12.30 PM - 1.30 PM

Find out more and register