Are you an allied health or medical imaging professional looking to make a meaningful impact in your field through research? Look no further than the Stepping into Research program, presented by the Allied Health Research Committee at Monash Health.
The Stepping into Research program is a unique training opportunity designed to empower allied health clinicians and medical imaging professionals to explore research, advance their professions, and improve patient clinical outcomes. Led by experienced mentors, this program offers a comprehensive introduction to research, starting with the foundational skill of conducting and writing a systematic review.
“Systematic reviews are an important step in making evidence-based changes in clinical practice. No previous research experience is required, so if you have an important clinical question you want answered, consider applying. You will be provided with excellent support,” said Glenda McLean, Stepping into Research mentor and Imaging Research and Knowledge Translation Lead.
One shining example of the program’s success comes from 2023 participant radiographer Bridget Taylor and her mentor, Glenda McLean. Their systematic review, titled “Exploring the use of mobile translation applications (MTAs) for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients during medical imaging examinations in Australia,” was published in the Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences in January this year. The study found that MTAs have the potential to enhance communication and safety for CALD patients and healthcare workers, offering readily available translation during various healthcare scenarios.
The Stepping into Research program will run from April to September 2024 and requires participants to dedicate up to four hours per week. This commitment includes group training sessions, one-to-one meetings with your mentors, sessions with a Monash Health librarian, and independent study. Additionally, participants can present their findings at a Monash Health forum or association conference and receive guidance on manuscript writing and publication submission.
To apply for the program, interested individuals are encouraged to discuss potential research topics with their managers and colleagues. Applicants must submit an application form along with a manager’s endorsement. Spaces are limited, so don’t delay—applications close on 29 February 2024.
This program provides the support, guidance, and resources needed to make a tangible impact. Don’t miss your chance to step into the world of research—apply today and join us in shaping the future of healthcare.
For more information, please reach out to:
Dr Caroline Baker, Research and Clinical Practice Lead for Speech Pathology or
Glenda McLean, Research and Knowledge Translation Lead for Imaging
Online drop-in information sessions are being held at 10am 15 February and 1pm 21 February.