Clinical research fosters wellbeing
RESEARCH is the focus at Barwon Health and in Geelong next week as the organisation celebrates Research Week.
Some of Barwon Health’s most experienced minds will discuss the benefits of research and the positive impact it has on the organisation and the community.
Peter Vuillermin, from the Child Health Research Unit at Barwon Health, said clinical research was important because it ‘‘underpins a spirit of inquiry in health care’’.
‘‘It is fundamental to continuing to improve the way we do things,’’ he said.
‘‘ We must always ask, ‘Why is this so?’ and, ‘How can we do this better?’.’’
Dr Vuillermin, who has been involved in research for almost 10 years, said developing a reputation for outstanding clinical research enabled Barwon Health to attract the best people.
‘‘It also creates a culture whereby our trainees are taught to think and question,’’ he said. ‘‘It allows us to light a fire rather than merely fill a vessel.’’
Adam Roberts from Barwon Health’s Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes said the value of research was undeniable.
‘‘Without clinical research we have no evidence base to reassure doctors and patients that what we prac- tise makes a difference or is safe,’’ he said.
But it’s not just Barwon Health that is praising the benefits of research.
Geelong resident Margaret Higgins has been a trial participant for Barwon Health research for more than five years and said the research the organisation did was very important.
‘Without clinical research we have no evidence base to reassure doctors and patients that what we practise makes a difference or is safe.’
- Adam Roberts
‘‘I am so grateful for the work they do there and the care they put into it,’’ she said.
Research Week is held as part of the Smart Geelong Network’s Research and Innovation Expo and runs from October 22 to 26.
The annual event will culminate with the Researcher of the Year award gala dinner on Friday, October 26. For more information visit smartgeelong network.com.au