Exciting grants on offer for women’s health staff

Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) staff are encouraged to apply for the Westmead Women’s Institute of Research and Data Collaboration (W2IRED) World Health Organisation (WHO) Internship scholarship.

The scholarships which open in June are valued at $5,000 and $2,000 will be awarded to the successful candidates.

Staff or clinicians with research experience, a clear idea of future professional goals and knowledge on women’s and newborn health are encouraged to apply.

W2IRED recently announced the first recipients of the 2018-2019 WHO scholarship awards.

Congratulations to Meleseini Tai-Roche, third year medical student at Notre Dame University, School of Medicine and Dr Anne O’Connor, Obstetrics and Gynaecology registrar, Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick.

The Chair of W2IRED at Westmead Hospital’s Department of Women’s and Newborn Health Associate Professor Seng Chua said both recipients will spend a minimum of two months in Geneva where they will study data collection and policy structuring techniques for use in developing countries.

“Their aim will be to improve maternal and child health in regions where it is most needed,” Dr Chua said.

“This is the first WHO Residency Scholarship to be offered by W2IRED.

“In response to the overwhelming number of applicants, a second position has been created.

Dr O’Connor is thrilled with the prospect of working in Geneva.

“With the help of charitable organisations, including the Way In Network and Australian Chinese Medical Association Charitable Trust (ACMA), W2IRED had secured funding for this scholarship for another three years.”

“This trip will give me insight into the development of public health policy in maternity care,” Dr O’Connor said.

“It will pave my way into my PhD on public health policy in my advanced training in obstetrics and gynaecology.”

Meleseini Tai-Roche has a history of involvement in materno-fetal health prior to enrolling for her medical degree.

She was a clinical midwifery consultant for more than 10 years and spent considerable time in remote regions of Australia.

She was an active participant in the 2013 House of Representatives Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs.

A Student Research Centre called W2IRED SRC has been established as a point for all research activities in women’s and newborns’ health, and to assist medical students with their applications.

For further information about the grant, email Marjan Khajehei at Marjan.Khajehei@health.nsw.gov.au.