Can you tell us about yourself, your profession and how you were involved with AuSPEN?
I’m a clinical dietitian with a special interest in enteral nutrition support and gastrostomy care, as well as a *very* novice researcher. I recently relocated from Sydney to London and am currently working at King’s College Hospital. I was involved with the AuSPEN MCC for the past 3-4 years, first hearing about the opportunity through my colleagues and thought it would be a great way to channel a bit of my creative side.
We’re sad to see you go! What were the projects you were most proud to be involved in with the AuSPEN Marketing and Communications Committee?
Leaving the MCC was a tough decision, as it has been such a rewarding learning and networking opportunity. The project I’m most proud of is establishing the quarterly e-update (hi everyone, and thank you for reading!). It was incredibly rewarding to showcase the inspiring work of AuSPEN’s committees, members, and the many people working across the clinical nutrition space.
Can you tell us about your most recent research?
As I mentioned, I am still very much a novice, however I’ve always been interested in complementing my clinical work with research, to have a broader impact on patient care. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been juggling two very different research projects as I’ve dipped my toes into the research world.
The first project began as a small quality improvement initiative and, and with thanks to a very supportive and encouraging mentor Suzie Ferrie, evolved into a larger descriptive cohort study exploring the nutritional management, and barriers to nutrition among hospitalised neurosurgical patients. The findings highlighted the high prevalence of interruptions to nutrition in this patient group and taught me an enormous amount about study design, research methodology, and that perseverance is a must. It was recently published in JPEN.
Congratulations on your recent Guiness World Record as the fastest marathon runner dressed as a netballer! What are you looking forward to next in London?Thank you! Now that my arms have recovered after carrying the netball for 42km, I’m looking forward to the new and exciting challenges that working for the NHS will bring.
Thank you, Dale, for all your work and contribution to AuSPEN!