Jenny Carè
Find leading scholars who you can work with to see you through your research...
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
Principal supervisor: Professor Jon Wardle and Dr. Amie Steel
What are your key research areas and interests?
Traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, evidence-based practice, health care regulation, herbal medicine, naturopathy.
Could you provide a summary of your research project?
“The regulation of traditional and complementary medicine professions in Australia.”
This research investigates the phenomenon of statutory regulation within the professions of traditional and complementary medicine in Australia, specifically focusing on the contrast between regulated and unregulated professions. It will examine the role and attitudes of policy makers and professional associations in the history and development of health care regulation. The study design will encompass qualitative research methods including interviews and document analysis.
The research seeks to contribute to the policy debate on health care regulation within the professions of traditional and complementary medicine. Its aim is to develop a policy change proposing the inclusion of unregulated traditional and complementary medicine professions in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme. This will ensure that health care practitioners that pose a significant risk of harm to the public are regulated under government legislation.
This will ensure that health care practitioners that pose a significant risk of harm to the public are regulated under government legislation.
There were two discrete paths I took to secure the doctoral guidance of two internationally recognised scholars in the field of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, Professor Jon Wardle and Dr. Amie Steel.
At a conference in 2019 I attended a presentation delivered by Dr. Amie Steel. After the presentation I introduced myself to Dr. Steel with the comment, “I’ve already chosen you as my PhD supervisor.” At that stage I held Honours and Graduate Certificate qualifications but had not considered any particular doctoral degree program. Little did I know then how prophetic my comment was, because within 12 months Dr. Steel would, in fact, be my supervisor.
Less than four weeks after this same conference I contacted Professor Jon Wardle to discuss my aspirations for completing a Master’s degree and, with his guidance, my application was recommended for, and ultimately successful in achieving, a direct PhD nomination at UTS.
I consider myself fortunate to have the supervisory guidance of these two eminent researchers whose work I have followed, but never did I consider I would be in the position of proclaiming them as my PhD mentors and guides.
What advice would you give to future research students thinking about starting a higher degree in research at the Faculty of Health?
Don’t hesitate! If you are passionate about a topic and there is something that puzzles or frustrates you about it, then look at the many research options you have. Find leading scholars who you can work with to see you through your research. Introduce yourself to them, be bold, take control, make it happen.
Find leading scholars who you can work with to see you through your research. Introduce yourself to them, be bold, take control, make it happen.
Starting the doctoral degree at UTS has led me to the conclusion that research is where I want to be. Along with my supervisors, my doctoral program colleagues have become my support crew who are helping to sustain and encourage me through the PhD. The most valuable aspect of this is connecting with the research community within and outside the Faculty of Health, within and outside UTS, within and outside Australia.
Learn more about studying a Doctor of Philosophy