Following a rigorous selection process, Vanessa Leonard-Roberts, Nurse Practitioner at Northern Hospital Emergency Department, has been offered a prestigious place in the Melbourne Academic Centre for Health MACH-Track Program in 2025.

MACH-Track is a structured, mentored, fully funded PhD pathway through the University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and eight affiliated Medical Research Institutes. The five-year program incorporates both advanced clinical and academic training, and seeks to develop future leaders of clinical innovation by offering an opportunity to integrate pre-PhD, PhD, and initial post-PhD research training with the completion of vocational training of the highest standard.

“MACH-Track is an established program that allows promising health practitioners to integrate career development in research, including a PhD, with the completion of postgraduate specialist or generalist training and clinical career development in their health discipline,” said Professor Sir John Savill, MACH Executive Director.

Ms Leonard-Roberts is delighted to have been selected for this prestigious program.

“I have been wanting to do my PhD for some time but struggled to find a program that would incorporate both clinical and academic training,” said Ms Leonard-Roberts.

“The MACH-Track program will mean that I can continue to work clinically at Northern Health while completing my PhD.”

“I was absolutely delighted to find out I was successful and have been experiencing a mixture of elation and nervousness, but really, I am overjoyed,” Ms Leonard-Roberts said.

“I would like to thank Eleanor Johnson, the current MACH-Track candidate, who put up with my million questions and encouraged me to apply.”

Lisa Cox, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, Northern Health, congratulated Vanessa on this significant achievement.

“Vanessa is highly motivated and passionate about nursing research, and this offer is a fantastic opportunity for both Vanessa and Northern Health. Well done, Vanessa,” Ms Cox said.