AAS Story Bite - Bret Gutierrez

What makes Australia a good place for postgraduate education?

Australia offers a stellar environment for postgraduate education, with the University of Melbourne, currently ranked 14th in the world, exemplifying academic excellence. With its renowned faculty expertise, includes advisors to institutions like the Australian Department of Health, providing students with a unique opportunity to learn from professionals actively involved in addressing global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. I remember my exams in Biostatistics and Epidemiology having questions revolving around computations of infectious disease estimate and utilizing these data to implement public health interventions and thus, making you act as Chief Public Health Officer. I eventually became a contender for Global Health Case Competition where I had the opportunity to work on innovative, multidisciplinary solutions to crucial, real-world global health problems. Indeed, Australia's emphasis on real-life assessments ensures that students are well-prepared to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios, making the educational experience both rigorous and relevant.

Beyond academics, Australia's picturesque campuses, with their serene beauty, offer a conducive learning environment. Australia stands out as an ideal destination for postgraduate education, combining academic excellence, student support, diverse opportunities, and real-world relevance to create a truly enriching educational experience.

As a Filipino scholar, what are you most proud of?

Aside from Filo’s “golden voice”, what strike me the most and the most that I am proud of is that - whenever I go, Filipinos always wear this warm heart and bright smile to cheer up the world. We are a race of not just resilient people, but of happy people. I survived studying by standing on the giants of a massive Filipino Melbourne community – the Filipino Choir of St Francis Church. The pandemic did not stop us from singing and we still continued conducting Filipino mass online hoping this would fulfill our spiritual needs amidst the absence of physical mass.

I was also given the chance to serve as Director for Special Projects for Filipino-Australian Student Council of Victoria where I led activities for Filo student community in Victoria. I firstly initiated mental health check webinar in the first weeks of pandemic, followed by studying effectively, game nights, and Filipino culture appreciation. When lockdown was lifted, we were able to do barbies (Aussie slang for “barbeque”), picnics, and of course karaoke nights and Filipino Christmas parties.

Reflecting on my whole experience, we carry with us the spirit of 'kapwa tao,' a profound sense of interconnectedness and empathy that transcends borders. This trademark Filipino trait, characterized by our warmth, hospitality, and genuine concern for others, has a universal appeal that fosters harmony and understanding among diverse cultures. It's this invaluable contribution to global unity, through the embodiment of 'kapwa tao,' that fills me with pride as a Filipino scholar, as it highlights the positive impact we can have on the world by simply being true to our cultural values.

Give one word to describe your Australia Awards journey.

Cathartic. The COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant turning point in my Australia Awards journey, signifying “the end of a decade”. It reshaped me into a person with enhanced knowledge, broader perspectives, and reinvigorated aspirations. This journey allowed me to refocus my energy on what truly matters — the pursuit of becoming a Public Health Professional in a world where health equality and equity remain elusive. It was a profound transformation that has propelled me towards a new chapter of personal and professional growth – thus, the “start of an age”, a new age where everyone can achieve better health outcomes.

Now that you're back, how are you making a difference in your field/community?

First, let me just say that I am proud of my completed Re-Entry Action Plan (REAP), “Evidence-based Public Health: Research and Data Analysis”. My REAP received commendation and was subsequently adopted by the Department of Health. Under this initiative, I've developed Evidence-Based Public Health training modules and resources, equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools to drive evidence-based decision-making in their practices.

When I returned, I made a vision. This is an overarching vision of 'Data for Health,' where harnessing the transformative power of data to reshape our fragmented healthcare landscape is not elusive. I've been dedicated to making a tangible difference in my field and community by adhering to the principle of 'changing the world, one public health problem at a time.' True to my commitment, I've actively collaborated with government agencies and development organizations such as WHO, USAID, and Johns Hopkins University, and St. Luke’s Medical Center – College of Medicine to address the pressing issue of health inequality and to work towards achieving health equity.

While being proactive in the alumni events and raising my hand on the Australia Alumni Communities Philippines (AACPh), I continue my passion to create a more effective and equitable healthcare system for our country. I believe that through these efforts, we can bring about meaningful change and contribute to a healthier, more equitable future for our community and country.