The outstanding reputation of ARCCIM in mentoring the best and brightest research leaders is the...
Key research areas/interests: Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM), Integrative health care, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) communities
‘The use of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) in people living with dementia from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.’
Globally, there has been an exponential increase in the use of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM). During the migration process, TCAM practices accompany immigrants to their destination countries, increasing their likelihood of employing these approaches alongside their use of conventional medicine in their new adoptive country. As such, ethnicity and culture are paramount factors in determining the rates, types and patterns of TCAM use. Many TCAM modalities often have their foundations grounded in the traditions, cultures and beliefs of ethnic minority communities, originating in their countries of heritage. Although prevalent, there is a paucity of research on TCAM use specifically among ethnic minorities. My research addresses the use of complementary and alternative medicine in people living with dementia and their carers from culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia, specifically focusing on TCAM practices, prevalence, modalities, experiences, knowledge levels and attitudes among health service providers and carers of people living with dementia.
Why did you decide to embark on your research degree at the Faculty of Health at UTS?
I was convinced to embark on my research degree at the Faculty of Health after speaking with a family member who is a UTS alumnus and after reading the testimonials of other Faculty of Health alumni. The Faculty of Health’s prominence in producing high-impact research leaders in NSW, having a 4/5 above standard rating for public health and public health services and supporting integrative healthcare approaches to improve the health of global communities were some of the reasons why I chose the UTS Faculty of Health.
What contribution to knowledge are you planning to make with your research project? What impact / change might that bring about?
I plan to explore, report evidence and contribute to innovative models of practice that support the provision of effective and adequate care to vulnerable communities. This will be cost effective and have a significant impact in strengthening the healthcare system and accelerating the achievement of health equity.
Who will benefit from your research? How?
My research will assist policy makers by providing an evidence base for decision and law making. Health care providers- will also benefit from evidence based guidelines for integrative healthcare provision. Culturally and linguistically diverse groups (including minority groups, vulnerable populations and undeserved communities) will be able to access adequate healthcare services and portray better help-seeking behaviours.
How did you go about selecting your supervisor?
I read about the Australian Research Consortium in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM) which is the world-leading critical public health research centre focusing on complementary and integrative health care. My present and principal supervisor Professor Jon Adams is the director of this centre. The outstanding reputation of ARCCIM in mentoring the best and brightest future research leaders as well as its widespread international collaboration with renowned universities and experts in the field was the exact platform that any aspiring researcher would be opportune to attain. Therefore, it was an easy yet judicious decision to make when I was offered a scholarship to embark on my doctoral degree program in ARCCIM at UTS.
What advice would you give to future research students thinking about starting a higher degree in research at the Faculty of Health?
Try and obtain sufficient research about your field and area of interest before commencing. Ensure that your research area is one which you are passionate about, this will drive your productivity during the program. Also feel free to contact the Faculty of Health, everyone was so helpful in answering questions and offering assistance during the entire admission and orientation process.
What has been the most valuable aspect of your research student experience at the Faculty of Health at UTS?
The facilities provided to support research students are contemporary and world-class, making the entire doctoral process very comfortable and rewarding. Researchers are very well taken care of in the Faculty of Health and there are numerous support facilities to take advantage of, from free workshops to software trainings, proofreading and writing assistance, and even social and psychological support. The Faculty of Health offers researchers an environment that ensures a favourable outcome, giving us no excuse for anything other than success.