Bulletin

Issue: June 2004

News

Research to improve health services for regional communities

Seven graduates at the Bendigo ceremonies received their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) awards - one of the highest academic honours.Designing a tiny electronic device and fitting it inside a tennis ball might seem an odd way to help chronic snorers.

Among them were three La Trobe University staff members: Dr Mandy Kenny and Dr Melissa Graham who graduated with a PhD in Public Health, and Dr Shari Siegloff who was awarded her PhD in Rural Health.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Osborne, commended the graduates on the quality of their research which, he said, demonstrated 'the calibre of teaching offered at the campus and the commitment of staff to teaching excellence'.

Their research also has the potential to improve health services for regional communities, Osborne said.

Dr Kenny's study of 20 hospitals exposed the struggle of rural hospitals in maintaining quality healthcare services. She examined issues such as rural workforce shortages, medical relationships and funding.

Dr Siegloff's research focused on sweeping policy changes in mental health care and the impact of these changes on support for family care givers in regional areas.

Dr Graham's research dealt with women who have undergone hysterectomy to treat menstrual symptoms. It supported the 'watch and wait' approach for women nearing menopause, finding that menstrual problems decreased over time.

Bendigo Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean, Professor Peter Sullivan, said this year's graduations highlighted the quality of teaching and calibre of research opportunities available at La Trobe, Bendigo.

As well as the seven Doctoral graduates, 23 Masters degrees were awarded and a total of some 1,100 students graduated from the campus.

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