Alicia Wang (1997): supporting regional communities professionally and personally

During the week, Alicia Wang is a leading radiologist and medical director dedicated to improving health outcomes across regional Victoria. After hours, she can be found giving back to her local community through a passion she discovered unexpectedly: competitive ballroom dancing.

As a Radiology Consultant, Director at Keystone Radiology, and Clinical Director at Grampians BreastScreen, Alicia plays a vital leadership role in providing high-level diagnostic imaging and specialist care to communities in Ballarat, Bendigo, and surrounding areas.

‘Radiologists play a central role in patient care due to the reliance on medical imaging to problem solve and make diagnoses. We’re also able to assist in treatment, particularly with pain relief, which is another rewarding aspect of our job. At Keystone Radiology, we pride ourselves on providing subspecialist services to regional Victoria, allowing country communities to access the same high level of care without having to travel into Melbourne.’

The decision to relocate to Ballarat was driven by family and lifestyle choices. Looking to escape Melbourne traffic, Alicia and her husband (who grew up in the area) live on a hobby farm and vineyard with a short commute to work. 

Balancing a medical career with family life requires true teamwork. Alicia credits her ability to manage these demands to her husband, a PhD physicist, who made career sacrifices to care for their daughters. Today, the family splits their time between Ballarat and Melbourne to support their daughters’ weekend extracurricular activities.

Alicia first connected with the Ballarat Foundation in 2021 when she was selected as a contestant in Dancing With Our Stars, a local version of the popular TV show and annual fundraiser supporting local community programs to reduce disadvantage.

‘I was thrown into the world of ballroom dancing while supporting an important charitable cause. Since then, I fell in love with ballroom dancing, have continued to train, and am now competing on a monthly basis! I have been fortunate enough to return to DWOS as a dancer to partner new ‘stars’ every year since, meeting wonderful people along the way.’

Looking back on her school days, Alicia credits PLC with instilling both confidence and a commitment to community service.

‘I look back at my time at PLC as a crucial period where I was fortunate to be in a supportive and nurturing environment. I not only received an outstanding education, but forged lifelong friendships and was empowered to go out into the world believing I could achieve anything I put my mind to. PLC taught me that success can be defined in many ways, and to always lend a helping hand to those around us.’

When asked what advice she would offer to today's PLC students, Alicia emphasises self-compassion and balance:

‘Be grateful for the opportunities you have been given and believe in yourself. It’s never too late to learn something new. As career-oriented women, remember that work isn't everything. It's okay to take time out to do something that fills your own cup. In life, you will often find yourself juggling many balls in the air, but remember that no one is perfect. Just do your best, and that will be enough.’