The recipients of Monash Health’s 2022 Emerging Researcher Fellowships have been announced, with ten employees each awarded a fellowship to undertake their chosen research project designed to impact Monash Health’s service delivery.
Established by Chief Executive, Andrew Stripp, the Monash Health Emerging Researcher Fellowship aims to invest in early career individuals with significant potential for a research career. The Fellowship provides the required support for fellows to undertake their translational research project, and acts as a preparatory step to be accepted towards a PhD.
The exciting career development opportunity came as a surprise to Lisa Peng, who is delighted to embark on her chosen research over the next 12 months.
Paediatric “phantoms” will be used to generate data
Working as a radiographer at Monash Medical Imaging, Lisa identified a gap in current literature addressing how to best modify radiation exposure settings in paediatric cast imaging.
“It is beneficial to explore optimal radiation parameters in cast imaging that can be used in everyday practice,” she says.
Radiation risk is a constant concern in paediatric imaging, given that children are more likely to develop cancers after radiation exposure than adults. Frequent X-rays can be required for children in a cast, and minimising radiation dose is needed without compromising image quality beyond practical use.
Using a paediatric “phantom” (imitation extremities with similar soft tissue and bone density to children), Lisa plans to test radiation doses using both plaster and fibreglass casts to collect three rounds of data. Using this data, Lisa aims to develop consistent parameters around radiation dosage, which will minimise risk for the patient while still achieving a practical image.
Having defined parameters will eliminate the inconsistencies in current practice.
Lisa is grateful for the opportunity provided by the Fellowship to pursue her research, which will culminate in “high quality services for patients,” and she encourages anyone considering applying for next year’s Fellowship to jump right in.
“Don’t feel it’s not achievable. I’ve had so much support from Monash Health and the Department of Imaging. It’s a great way to enhance evidence-based practice.”
Approved by Anjali Dhulia