Senior clinician and Flinders University researcher, Professor Robyn Clark, has been appointed as Professor of Nursing and Director of Nursing and Midwifery Research at Southern Adelaide Local Health Network.
The joint appointment by SALHN and Flinders University will focus on enhancing the nexus of clinical care, research and teaching and is the first research position of its kind at SALHN in almost 20 years.
Professor Clark will work collaboratively with the SALHN Nursing and Midwifery leadership team and Caring Futures Institute leadership to promote nursing and midwifery research and higher education sector research partnerships.
With close to two decades of research experience behind her and extensive experience in the nursing field, including qualifications as a Registered Nurse and Midwife, a Critical Care Nurse, Professor Clark has Master’s degree in Education and a PhD in Health Science
Professor Clark also currently holds adjunct appointments at the University of South Australia, Queensland University of Technology and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), University of Virginia and Edinburgh Napier University.
In taking up the position, Professor Clark says she is honoured to be able to inspire the workforce and future generations who enter the profession.
“I am excited to bring my research, skills, and knowledge to this role, and join other leaders in nurturing clinical research to ensure SAHLN is recognised as an international centre for evidence-based nursing and midwifery care.”
SALHN CEO Kerrie Freeman welcomes Professor Clark to this new joint position that reflects SALHN’s vision of innovation and excellence.
“Professor Clark brings to the role, international recognition and a wealth of research and nursing experience to support and advance our research capacity, capability and services for Nursing and Midwifery across SALHN.
This collaboration with our Flinders University partners will provide strategic leadership to drive academic and clinical excellence and strengthen partnerships to support SALHN and the Caring Futures Institute.”
“It is another example of the enduring partnership between SALHN and Flinders University that continues to drive excellence in research and care delivery.”
Director of the Caring Futures Institute, Professor Raymond Chan, says Flinders University is committed to world-class research that is clinically and industry relevant.
“Professor Clark’s leadership will be key to enabling research programs that are innovative, person-centred, and addressing the most pressing needs in the health and health care system.”
“The co-location of SALHN and Flinders University means that, the intellectual and practice exchange between clinicians, researchers and consumers, on a daily basis, is significant. Nurses are the experts of care and caring science, and experts of promoting best patient experiences and outcomes. Professor Clark’s strategic position will ensure patient perspectives, experiences and outcomes are at the centre all research and practice development activities. ”
Professor Clark started the three-year term on Monday 5 September 2022.