You are our first Rural Innovation and Research Coordinator, or RIRC for short. This is a new initiative for NSWRHP, providing direct support to healthcare workers to undertake and manage research translation projects to address local health problems.
What professional and personal experiences have led you to this new role?
I think my interest in research has really grown from being curious about how we can do things better. I’ve spent more than 25 years working in rural healthcare, across clinical and project management roles during which time I’ve been involved in a range of quality improvement projects and have seen how using evidence, data and the experiences of patients and clinicians can lead to meaningful improvements in healthcare.
These experiences sparked my interest in research and in turning questions that arise in everyday clinical practice into opportunities to learn and create new knowledge. Working in rural and regional settings also highlighted for me the importance of research that is practical, relevant and able to make a difference to the communities we serve.
For me, research is about being curious, asking “why?” and “could we do this differently?” — and then finding a way to turn those questions into meaningful improvements in healthcare.
What do you find most fulfilling about this position?
The most fulfilling part of my job is knowing that I’m helping create opportunities for research that can make a real difference. I love seeing an idea go from “I wonder if we could…?” to an actual research project that has the potential to improve care or the experience of patients and clinicians.
I particularly enjoy working alongside clinicians, helping them navigate the research process, build confidence, and discover what’s possible. There’s something really rewarding about being part of that journey and knowing that the work we do can contribute to improving healthcare in our rural and regional communities.
Can you share a game changer moment or an accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?
A game changer moment for me was realising that I didn’t have to choose between being a clinician and being involved in research and improvement. My career has taken me through clinical practice, quality improvement, project management, and now research, and I’ve come to see how closely all these areas are connected.
I’m particularly proud of the opportunity to bring those different experiences together in my current role. Being able to support clinicians to turn the questions they have in their everyday practice into research opportunities has been an exciting part of my journey. It’s something that has given me a renewed sense of purpose and a real enthusiasm for what research can achieve in our health service.
What do you love most about working in rural health?
I love that no two days are the same and the genuine connections you build with people. For me there is something special about knowing that the work you do can have a meaningful impact for the community you live in.
I also love the opportunity to think creatively. Rural health comes with its own challenges, including access to services and resources, but these challenges motivate me to find innovative and practical ways of doing things differently, I find that really rewarding.
What’s something you’ve learned from working with rural clinicians?
One of the biggest things I’ve learned from working with rural clinicians is just how resourceful and adaptable they are. Rural clinicians often work with fewer resources and have to find creative ways to meet the needs of their patients and communities.
I’ve also learned that the best ideas usually come from the people who are closest to the problem. Rural clinicians have a strong understanding of their local communities and the challenges they face; their practical insights can be incredibly valuable in shaping meaningful improvements.
Do you have any advice or tips for someone who aspires to work in a similar role or industry?
My advice would be to seize any opportunity you can to be involved in research and to not let imposter syndrome stop you from getting involved in something you’re passionate about.
When it comes to research, I’ve learnt that you don’t need to know everything before you get started, learning is all part of the journey. Just be curious, start small, be willing to give things a go and don’t be afraid to ask questions or to ask for help.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
I try to remind myself that not everything needs to be done at once. Setting priorities, knowing when to switch off and making the most of my time outside work helps me come back to work feeling refreshed and motivated.
For me, it’s less about achieving a perfect balance and more about making sure there is time for both the things I find rewarding at work and the things that make me happy outside of it.
Do you have any upcoming projects or initiatives that you’re excited about?
For me I’m genuinely excited about my RIRC role and am really looking forward to exploring what can be achieved as these roles continue to develop.
I’m particularly excited about working alongside the other coordinators, sharing ideas, learning from each other and building something that can make a real difference to research capacity in rural and regional health. It feels like we’re at the beginning of something with a lot of potential, and I’m excited to be part of the journey and see where it takes us.
I really believe that research is a team sport and that the best ideas come from bringing together people with different experiences, perspectives and areas of expertise. I’d love to connect with clinicians, researchers and others who have an interesting question or an idea they’d like to explore. You never know where a conversation might lead!
Outside of work, what are your hobbies or interests?
I love reading and spending time outside in the garden and I love travelling and getting away with my family. I’m also a proud sporting mum and as such am heavily involved in my local Netball and Swimming Clubs.
What’s an interesting or unexpected fact that others might not know about you?
As well as having an allied health background, I’m also a qualified Primary School Teacher.
