You are the Chief Investigator on a NSWRHP-funded research translation project to reduce the overutilisation of neuroimaging for acute dizziness in the emergency departments at Gosford and Wyong hospitals.
What professional and personal experiences led you to add research to your clinical bow?
In 2014 I began my role as the emergency physiotherapist at Gosford hospital after returning from working in the UK within the NHS. I had completed my physiotherapy training and begun my subspecialisation in vestibular physiotherapy. I had an enthusiasm for treating dizziness, often not shared by my colleagues. Dizziness was not traditionally included in the role of an emergency physiotherapist; we were limited to musculoskeletal and the occasional respiratory patients.
I began to notice that the management of acute dizziness was often not evidence based. I was Initially concerned about peripheral pathology such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, but it became apparent that patients with acute vestibular syndrome were over imaged and diagnostic tests poorly understood. I felt that we could improve the care of these patients if we translated the evidence into an emergency specific format.
What do you find most fulfilling about your job?
Being a primary contact Advanced Practice physiotherapist in the emergency department is an extremely fulfilling role. I have the privilege of working at the top of physiotherapists’ scope of practice to directly treat patients presenting to the emergency department – often on one of the worst days of their lives. Having a role in treating them, providing comfort and support, and sometimes answers, is an honour. Being a vestibular therapist has allowed me to expand the traditional scope of this role by having a hand in ensuring that this often difficult-to-diagnose population receives best practice care. The most fulfilling part of working in emergency medicine is being able to work as part of the multidisciplinary team. It’s through collaboration that I feel we have the strength to achieve real change.
Can you share a game changer moment or an accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?
It would have to be our first published article. Before that moment I thought it was just a personal passion project heavily influenced by my subspeciality training and interest in the management of acute vestibular disorders. But then watching the citation count grow made me realise that clinicians and health services outside of my immediate locus of control also valued this work. It started to sink in that what I considered to be a niche clinical subspecialty, actually had a considerable impact on service delivery and patient outcomes.
What’s something you’ve learned from working with rural clinicians?
Rural clinicians are resourceful. What I have found is that they/we are willing to consider innovative ways to solve problems facing our health services. Working within a rural team is particularly helpful in change management, it’s the ‘can do’ attitude. You do not work in large clinical silos, you are not nameless, you hold space. Because of that I feel you are supported well, and collaborative care is celebrated.
Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?
Outside of work I am kept very busy by my two daughters, four and one, and my husband who is completing his anaesthetic training. I love art and photography. I also play Rugby Union for the Terrigal Trojans.
Do you have any advice or tips for someone who aspires to work in a similar role or industry?
I believe that you need a good mentor, someone who has trodden the path before you. For me it is my co-author Dr Patel, who continually challenges me to think bigger, aim higher.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
I wouldn’t say a balance it well, I have a lot of balls in the air currently. But living close to work without an arduous daily commute definitely helps.
What’s an interesting or unexpected fact that others might not know about you?
In 2013 I was selected as the Australian representative at Commonwealth Day in London. I met Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
