In an exciting announcement, three clinical research fellows have been appointed within the Northern Sydney Local Health District.

The positions are part of an initiative developed by the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Northern Sydney (Arabanoo) Precinct and the NSLHD. 

The new roles will drive interdisciplinary research activity, develop research capabilities and increase opportunities for research training of staff.

The successful applicants include Senior Research Radiation Therapist Dr John Atyeo, Senior Physiotherapist Dr Louise Hansell and Clinical Nurse Specialist Julia Pilowsky.

Over the next two years the fellows will pursue their individual research projects while also collaborating on an interdisciplinary research initiative focusing on functional wellbeing.

Interim NSLHD Chief Executive Lee Gregory said the fellows will continue their clinical roles within the district and will now also have time to pursue their individual and collaborative research interests. 

“We are pleased to be able to provide funding for the dedicated research time as we know that having specific blocks of time for investigative projects has historically been one of the barriers to the expansion of research activity and impact,” he said.

“We are sure this group will help extend our research capabilities and strengthen the culture of quality research across the local health district and the university.”

The fellows have embraced their new roles.

Dr Louise Hansell has worked as a physiotherapist for 13 years with a focus on acute respiratory care. 

Dr John Atyeo works in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre and drives radiation therapist led research.

Julia Pilowsky works in the Intensive Care Unit at RNSH. Her research involves understanding how mental health disorders impact patient outcomes during and after an ICU admission and how clinicians can better support these vulnerable patients. 

She is also developing techniques to use the information in clinical progress notes for research and quality improvement purposes.