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 - Higher Degree by Research (HDR)

The panel discussion will explore how HDR programs advance paramedicine by equipping candidates with essential skills to analyse complex issues within the field. By fostering a culture of enquiry and academic excellence, HDR programs can elevate the profession within Australasia and worldwide. Panellists will focus on key aspects of transitioning into paramedicine HDR, exploring the themes and expectations associated with this transition.

Panel: Alecka Miles, Matthew Hill, Dr Verity Todd and Professor Scott Devenish

Biography: Alecka Miles

Alecka Miles is a Paramedic who works in General Practice (GP) in metropolitan Perth, Western Australia and the Course Coordinator of the Community Paramedicine and Paramedic Practitioner courses at Edith Cowan University. Proud ‘Muuummm’ to Poppy (7 years) and Hamish (6 years), a life highlight and her greatest achievement. Despite expressing her concerns about research being a ‘waste of time’ as a graduate paramedic, she has since changed her tune and developed research interests in Paramedic education, Community Paramedicine, Immersive Simulation and Paramedics working in non-traditional roles including the emerging role of the Paramedic Practitioner in Australia/New Zealand. She has a Master degree in Emergency Health and is a PhD Candidate, her project is looking at ‘Decentring’ the ambulance in Paramedicine: An exploration and consensus of key stakeholder expectations, enablers, and impediments to paramedic role legitimisation in primary health care contexts in Australia and New Zealand and she looks forward to dressing like a professor from Harry Potter when she graduates.

Biography: Matthew Hill

Matthew Hill is a registered paramedic and Lecturer in Paramedicine at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Matt has 10 years of clinical experience, during which time he worked as an Advanced Care Paramedic II, Critical Care Paramedic, and Critical Care Flight Paramedic. Matt’s research interests stem from his experience as a paramedic and Peer Support Officer, where he developed a keen interest in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of paramedics and their families. Matt is currently undertaking his PhD at Central Queensland University, where he is exploring the impact of traumatic stress on paramedics and their intimate partners.

Biography: Dr Verity Todd

Dr Verity Todd is a Senior Lecturer within the Department of Paramedicine. Verity has recently completed over 5 years as the Clinical Research Fellow at Hato Hone St John. Verity is currently working on the First Responder Shock Trial, supported by the NZ Heart Foundation, and has interest in low-acuity patients, trauma, and resuscitation. Verity's research background includes a PhD in Genetics and postdoctoral fellowships in Ophthalmology (Genetics and Epigenetics) at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and The University of Auckland.

Biography: Professor Scott Devenish

Dr Scott Devenish is a Professor of Paramedicine and Head of Discipline at ACU's School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Paramedicine, and concurrently holds the position of Chair at the Australasian Council of Paramedicine Deans. With a career spanning 17 years in academia and 25 years of commitment to paramedic education and training, Scott brings extensive expertise to these roles.

Session moderator: A/Professor Nigel Barr, Associate Professor Paramedicine, Discipline Lead