Research Week at Northern Health was held 10 – 14 October 2022, and showcased a range of innovative research projects and presentations from research leaders, both locally, and around the world.

As Faye Zaibak, Director, Research Operations, said at the outset, “Research Week allows us to come together as an organisation and celebrate the achievements of our researchers.”

The week started with Professor Zoe Wainer, Deputy Secretary for Public Health in the Victorian Government Department of Health, challenging us to think about Value Based Health Care. At the Grand Rounds, Professor Leigh Kinsman, La Trobe University, presented on social determinants in rural health and the value of the good old community shed in empowering engagement in better health.

Our discipline highlight this year was Emergency Services. The Emergency Service presentations were rounded out by Dr Loren Sher. Director, Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, at the Northern Health Foundation Corporate Breakfast.

“To hear the journey of the team from a ‘Big Idea’ to a funded state-wide integrated service was inspiring,” said Faye.

Northern Health also hosted a stellar cast of speakers showcasing ground-breaking research projects.

At the oral presentation, the role research can play in helping to improve exercises delivered digitally amongst patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis, was discussed. This earned Iryoung Fan, a graduate of the Stepping into Research Program, the People’s Choice Oral Presentation Award.

The Best Oral Presentation award went to Angela McLoughlan, Clinical Leader, Occupational Therapy for her work on the preparedness of the health care workforce to continue using technology to support patient care beyond the pandemic. The quality was exceptional, with Helen McDougall and Eleanor Johnson also receiving awards.

The Virtual Poster Q/A session was a first. Rachel Cheong, Medical Registrar championed further research into early predictors of need for salvage therapy in patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis. Sarah Findlay, Social Worker accepted the People’s Choice Poster Award for her poster titled ‘When NDIS and Family Services are involved with Complex Discharge Planning’.

The most coveted award, as always, was the Trivia Session Champion – first place going to Jeff Khoshaba who edged past Craig Aboltins at the finish line. Special thanks to our host Shane Huntington and Mark Tacey, the mastermind behind all the hard questions.

The event was made possible by a number of volunteers, the Northern Health Foundation and Public Affairs  team; Mr Peter McWilliam from the Northern Health Foundation Board; Professor Peter Brooks AM,(facilitator, judge and organising committee member); Zana Stefanovski (coordinating the entire event program); and last but not least, all our researchers who prepared over 54 abstracts and posters and presented 10 oral presentations, peer reviewed abstracts, hosted sessions and championed the value of evidence into best practice via research.

Big thanks also to the sponsors – the Northern Health Foundation, JR Medical and Ramsay Health Care.