Higher Degree Research students from the Faculty of Health were recently awarded NSW Health scholarships towards improving efficiencies in the delivery of population, health services and clinical care in NSW. Recipients were selected based on their ability to provide support to projects that transfer and scale best practice processes in the health system.
The program was open to PhD candidates who work within or closely with NSW local health districts (LHDs), Ambulance Service of NSW and specialty health networks (SHNs). Palliative Care physician and UTS PhD student Dr Jessica Lee received a scholarship for her research project on better management of cancer nerve pain. Dr Lee is research lead at the Sydney Local Health District Concord Centre for Palliative Care Research group, working among a multidisciplinary team of clinician researchers focussed on improving patient outcomes.
“Joining IMPACCT has been an inspirational opportunity, providing academic stimulation and guidance to develop my capacity as a researcher and my ability to contribute to increasing and translating the evidence base for best practice palliative care,” said Dr Lee.
Dr Christine Sanderson was awarded a scholarship for her research on moral distress in doctors and its relationship to end of life decision-making for patients with severe cognitive impairments. As a palliative medicine physician she has been actively involved in clinical trials in palliative care, with a particular interest in delirium.
Julee McDonagh’s scholarship was awarded for her research on improving fragility interventions for individuals with heart failure. A Registered Nurse with NSW Health since 2009, Julee has worked in cardiology, cardiothoracic intensive care, heart failure clinical research, and is currently working at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney.
The program will not only develop the capacity and skill of these PhD candidates but enhance health and medical research capability within the NSW Health system.