PhD student profiles
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Kim McLeod I am undertaking an investigation into how consumers experience antidepressant effects, with view to the qualification being a stepping-stone to further research opportunities. After working in an applied public health research environment for the past five years I was keen to further develop my research skills. The interdisciplinary nature of CHS makes it a supportive place for generating theory that is connected to public health outcomes.
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Patrice Marriott I became interested in the experience of patients who suffer an adverse event during their hospital stay when working as Co-ordinator of Pastoral care and a grief and loss counsellor at the Royal Women's Hospital in the late 1990's. In that capacity I was called upon to support women and their families at times of great distress. What was remarkable though was the positive and healing impact that timely and heartfelt expressions of sorrow and regret by clinicians had on the patient and their family. I approached CHS because of its reputation as a supportive environment for research students, a reputation which is well-deserved! I see my work leading to further research and a role in the education and formation of medical students. |
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Kristen Smith My PhD research is an ethnographic study of medical tourism in Mumbai, India. The research addresses issues of political economy, power, development, equity, health and human rights through a macro-micro exploration of how medical tourism functions within the world-system. It feels really quite fortuitous to have ended up in the Centre for Health & Society for a number of reasons. Firstly, my research interests have always been interdisciplinary, and the diversity of academics/researchers at the centre actively supports and promotes this approach. Secondly, the Centre for Health & Society provides a highly stimulating and inspiring environment to be in due to its friendly, supportive and engaged academic community. |
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Lyndon Ormond-Parker I am currently completing a multi-disciplined PhD with the Centre for Health and Society, School of Population Health and the Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation, Faculty of Arts. My PhD research has focused on Information Technology and Indigenous Communities, looking at the way communities are using technology to transmit local knowledge to future generations. The CHS is an encouraging and supportive environment for interdisciplinary research students. |
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Jane Sullivan The area for my research is end-of-life decision-making in paediatrics. It is a qualitative study, examining the experiences and views of bereaved parents in making end-of-life decisions for their children. The study came from my clinical practice as a senior social worker and Co-ordinator of the Family Bereavement Support Programme at The Royal Children’s Hospital and from being a member of the Hospital’s Clinical Ethics Committee. My studies in psychology and theology have also informed the study. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of the processes and sequelae of end-of-life decision making in paediatrics and to identify principles for supportive interventions for parents at the time of decision-making and later as they grieve. |
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Prabhathi Basnayake My PhD is an ethnographic research about Sri Lankan migrants with diabetes living in Victoria. My research focuses on areas such as the lived experiences of Sri Lankan migrants with diabetes, challenges that they face in managing their disease and their experiences of the Australian health care system. I am exploring these issues in this migrant community from two points of views; from that of the lay participants with diabetes and from that of the health professionals. I also completed my Masters degree at CHS in 2008 in Social Health. The wonderful experience I had when doing my first post graduate degree at CHS was enough reason for me to want to do my PhD too at CHS. The brilliant academically conducive and interdisciplinary environment at CHS has provided me with the perfect situation to conduct my research.
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Sally Warmington Sally Warmington commenced her PhD studies in 2009, after completing a Master of Social Health at CHS. Her background is in clinical rehabilitation medicine, and her doctoral project explores the ways medical students and patients experience and interpret their encounters with each other, in a teaching hospital. The interdisciplinary nature of the project made CHS the ideal place to undertake this work. Sally has received expert and committed supervision from a team of three academics whose backgrounds include sociology, anthropology and medical education. The encouragement and support from supervisors, other staff of CHS and fellow students have made undertaking this PhD research a stimulating and rewarding experience. |
