Australian Physiotherapy Association Achievement Award
Professor Jenny Keating, Head of the Department of Physiotherapy, was awarded the Australian Physiotherapy Association Achievement Award 2010, for an outstanding contribution to evidence based physiotherapy and promotion of physiotherapy to the broader community. In her role as the inaugural Head of the Department of Physiotherapy, following her long standing career at La Trobe University, Jenny has influenced the thinking and practices of both undergraduate and postgraduate students over the past thirty years, growing an ever increasing population of research literate practitioners, linking evidence and practice. Jenny’s research into clinical assessment, self-monitoring, clinical education, and transition to clinical education has been widely published and is likely to influence curriculum development in the health professions on a national scale. Her research into low back pain (LBP), and most recently, the influence of exercise on chronic non-specific LBP also has far reaching effects on health in the community, and recommendations for best practice. Whilst her work is far from completed, Jenny has already established a significant legacy to the physiotherapy profession, and is indeed a worthy recipient of this award.
Bridging Postdoctoral Fellowship (FMNHS)
Dr Jamie Gaida an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Physiotherapy, has been awarded a Bridging Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences. This highly-competitive scheme aims to support the career development of promising newly-qualified postdoctoral researchers at Monash University. The Physiotherapy Department is committed to elevating its research profile and are delighted with Dr Gaida’s success.
Jamie’s research ‘Tendon change in early diabetes: testing an innovative and cost-effective screening tool for type 2 diabetes mellitus’ will be mentored by Professor Jenny Keating, Head of the Department of Physiotherapy. This research unites the dynamic team including Professor Keating (Physiotherapy, Monash), Dr Andrew Wilson (Consultant Cardiologist, St Vincent’s Hospital), Dr Marno Ryan (Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, St Vincent’s Hospital) and A/Professor Terry Haines (Physiotherapy, Monash) to establish proof of concept in using makers of tendon disease as predictors of insulin resistance - the key metabolic abnormality underlying type 2 diabetes.
SACS Award for Leadership
Associate Professor Terry Haines has been honoured as a joint winner in the SACS Award for Leadership in the State Government Sector.
The award, sponsored by SACS Consulting, aims to foster leadership in the State Government sector by recognising outstanding leadership initiatives that make a positive contribution to the organisation’s efficiency and effectiveness while enhancing the workplace environment for all employees.
Terry was recognised for his work as a Director of Allied Health Clinical Research Unit at Southern Health, and Director of Research for the Southern Physiotherapy Clinical School.
He has background training as a physiotherapist and health economist, and his primary research interest is in the prevention of falls and injuries among older adults.
On accepting his award, Terry stated “I am thrilled to have been recognised in this way, particularly considering the standing and accomplishments of those I was nominated alongside. I feel that leadership is not about the position you hold but the way you influence others, and that everyone has the opportunity to display leadership in all aspects of their life.”
Indigeneous Health Education for final year Physiotherapy students
Recently the 2010 cohort of soon-to-graduate fourth year physiotherapy students, participated in a successful week of learning that included a focus on Indigenous Health.
Students were treated to a very interesting presentation by representatives from the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) by Aboriginal Health worker Janaya and Physiotherapist Josie. Students learnt about the services that VAHS provide and the importance of this culturally-safe style of health care delivery. Josie was also able to describe for us the ways in which she can modify her practice to ensure she maintains cultural safety. We were also privileged to have representatives from the Peninsula Health Care Network Koori programs come and discuss what is going on locally. Deon and Trent from Peninsula Health, both with Indigenous heritage, described the needs for Indigenous clients on the Peninsula and how Peninsula Health is innovatively addressing these needs. Part of the objective of this educational experience has been to not only give our students a broad perspective on what the current issues are nationally for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people and raise their awareness, but also to have a closer look at these health concerns from a Victorian, Melbourne and Peninsula perspective.
