Research Symposium 2024 was hosted on the 18th and 19th of July, at Australian Catholic University, Brisbane campus. This symposium’s theme, “Influence and Inspire: Advancing the Paramedicine Research Agenda for Australasia,” reflects our commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in paramedic research. The goal of this symposium was to highlight the crucial role of paramedic research in shaping and advancing emergency care.

To watch more recordings from the symposium, click here. Please note that we experienced some audio issues while recording this event. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause while watching the recordings

Panel Discussion - Clinical trials in paramedicine

The panel discussion will examine community-based clinical trials in paramedicine, offering a different perspective on the nature of clinical trials. Unlike traditional clinical trials, community-based trials are administered via primary care clinicians, clinics, and local outpatient facilities, making them more accessible and inclusive to participants. The discussion will explore how these trials can expand research participation and improve patient outcomes in paramedicine..

Panel: Lucas Litewka, Professor Emeritus Gerry FitzGerald, Dr Ben Meadley and Kerrianne Watt

Biography:Lucas Litewka

Lucas commenced his role at Director – Clinical Trials at the University of the Sunshine Coast in 2015, where he oversees a team of over 120 staff working across 5 locations. Lucas has worked as an advisor, board member and consultant to various organisations specialising in clinical trial strategy development.

Biography:Professor Emeritus Gerry FitzGerald

Emeritus Professor Gerry FitzGerald retired in July 2019 as Professor of Health Management in the School of Public Health and Social Work at QUT. He holds medical specialist qualifications in Emergency Medicine and Medical Administration and a Doctor of Medicine degree. An Emergency physician, he was one of the founders of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine. He was subsequently Medical Director and then Commissioner of the Qld Ambulance Service and Chief Health Officer for Qld. Since joining QUT Prof. FitzGerald has led the development of the Master of Health Management program, a Graduate Certificate in Disaster Management. His principal research focus is on emergency healthcare systems and how they perform under both routine and non-routine pressures.

Biography:Dr Ben Meadley

Ben Meadley is a registered paramedic who commenced his career with Ambulance Victoria in 1998, followed by a period with New South Wales Ambulance from 1999-2003. Returning to Ambulance Victoria, Ben trained as an intensive care (MICA) paramedic in 2004, and an intensive care (MICA) flight paramedic in 2009. He joined the staff of Monash University in 2003, and he has held the positions of Teaching Associate, Lecturer and Unit Coordinator in the undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Ben completed his PhD at Monash Paramedicine, investigating the physiological and metabolic health of paramedics, as well as human performance in specialist teams, and is now an adjunct Associate Professor in the department. Ben has developed expertise in prehospital critical care, paramedic education, human performance, and paramedic health and wellbeing. His research interests include respiratory and cardiovascular physiology, point of care ultrasound, human performance optimisation, and selection to specialist teams in emergency services. Ben divides his time between clinical, teaching and research roles.

Biography: Kerrianne Watt

Dr Watt is an Epidemiologist with a background in research methods and evidence-based practice, with specific expertise in injury epidemiology & the prehospital/emergency sector. She is Principal Research Manager in the Information Support, Research and Evaluation unit, Queensland Ambulance Service. She holds an Adjunct Professor position with James Cook University, where she was formerly the Associate Dean Research Education and responsible for teaching Epidemiology and Biostatistics to students in Health Sciences for 8 years. Her research has a strong translational focus, in line with her ethos to increase the capacity of health professionals in the prehospital/ emergency sector to conduct, engage with and interpret high quality research to improve clinical practice. She has 100+ peer-reviewed publications.

Session moderator: Professor Scott Devenish, Chair, Australasian Council of Paramedicine Deans, Professor of Paramedicine and Head of Discipline, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine Faculty of Health Australian Catholic University