Biography

Having qualified as a diagnostic radiographer over 30 years ago, I have worked in both public hospitals and private practices in NSW. My particular clinical expertise has spanned computed tomography and accident and emergency imaging. I left full-time clinical practice to pursue an academic career at the University of Newcastle in 1989 and was Discipline Head of Medical Radiation Science (MRS) from 1997 to 2001. In 2003 I relocated to Tamworth with the advent of the University Department of Rural Health - Northern NSW, where I am currently Associate Professor and Deputy Director (UDRH). From the beginning of 2012, my position is based in Taree.

My research pursuits over the years have included radiation dosimetry, reducing patient anxiety in MRI, and low back pain rehabilitation studies, as well as educational and rural health research. In 1996 I completed a Master of Science degree by research in 'Radiation Dose in Computed Tomography of the Head with Reference to Scanning Protocol' and in 2006 completed a PhD in 'Remote X-ray Operator Radiography: A Case Study in Interprofessional Rural Clinical Practice'. Since 2000, I have had over 35 peer-reviewed papers published in various national and international journals. My current research focuses on rural health workforce issues, with particular interest in the development of new models of care that incorporate interprofessional education and practice.

I have a strong interest in rural and remote health care, especially as it relates to the delivery of medical imaging services. Since 1993, I have coordinated the NSW Remote X-ray Operators Licensing Course and I have maintained an interest in this field on a national level.

Qualifications

• PhD (Medical Radiation Science), University of Newcastle, 2006
• Diploma of Applied Science (MRT), University of Newcastle
• Master of Science, University of Newcastle, 1997
• Bachelor of Science, University of Newcastle, 1984

Research

Research keywords

• Advanced Practice
• Health Professions
• Interprofessional Collaboration

Research expertise

I have expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, with a focus of rural health issues and particularly the delivery of medical radiation services in rural and remote areas. My research experience also includes enquiry into interprofessional collaboration and team-based care in a variety of practice setting, and into the development of health care roles that extend practitioners beyond their traditional occupational boundaries.

Languages

• English

Fields of Research

Memberships

Body relevant to professional practice.

• Fellow - Australian Institute of Radiography

Editorial Board.

• Editor - Radiography

Awards

Distinction.

Invitations

Administrative

Administrative expertise

I have extensive administrative experience both within and outside the tertiary education system. I current serve on a range of professional boards and committees, including:

• Honorary Treasurer, Board of Directors, Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN)

• Chair, Rural Interprofessional Education Network (RIPEN), Australian Rural Health Education Network (ARHEN)

• Associate Editor (International), Radiography, official journal of the UK Society of Radiographers

• Chair, Rural and Remote Practitioners Advisory Panel (RRPAP), Australian Institute of Radiography

• Chair, Advanced Practitioners Advisory Panel (APAP), Australian Institute of Radiography

Teaching

Teaching keywords

• Diagnostic Radiography
• Medical Imaging
• Medical Radiation Science

Teaching expertise

My principal area of teaching is in medical radiation science, particularly diagnostic medical imaging. I also have a strong interest in the delivery of teaching and learning opportunities in rural and remote locations, as well as in the extensions of student and graduate knowledge, skills and abilities beyond the tradiational limitations of health care roles. I also have extensive experience in teaching research skills to health professionals in rural areas.