60 seconds with Joanne Turk

16 August 2016

Joanne is an overseas visitors manager at the Royal Free London (RFL). She has worked for the NHS for 12 years and has been at the RFL since July 2014.

What do you do on a daily basis?

I manage the overseas team to ensure that potential overseas visitors are being identified and charged accordingly for their NHS hospital treatment.

What’s your greatest career achievement?

Taking up my current post as overseas visitors manager.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I enjoy working with various professionals within the health sector and providing a service for the NHS; meeting new people and tackling challenges every day.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of a career in overseas visitor management?

It may not be the job for everyone however for the right person it provides new challenges and job satisfaction.

What was your first job?

I worked part time in Iceland for four years during my studies.

Who’s influenced your career most?

Myself with the support and encouragement from my family, in particular my husband and my mum. Without them I would not be where I am today.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

If you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything!

What’s the skill you’d most like to have?

I would love to be able to sing.

If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?

I’m sure I would still be working within the health service, possibly as a social worker.

What can’t you live without?

My children.

Do you have any nicknames?

Sometimes people call me ‘Jo’.

If you were singing karaoke, what song would you pick?

I have only ever done this once… Bryan Adams, Summer of ’69