Kahlia Borserio’s career is driven by a deep commitment to improving rural and regional health outcomes. Currently, she works with Dhelkaya’s Clinical Risk team in Castlemaine, where she plays a vital role in reviewing clinical incidents, leading quality improvement initiatives, and strengthening patient safety and governance systems.
Beyond her operational role, Kahlia serves as a board director at Maryborough District Health Service. In this strategic position, she influences key decisions that shape healthcare delivery at a system level. Together, these roles reflect Kahlia’s passion for creating safer, more effective health services in the communities she calls home.
Growing up in the Loddon Mallee region, Kahlia Borserio always felt a deep connection to rural and regional communities. With a background as a podiatrist and experience in clinical risk, Kahlia’s path was shaped by firsthand insights into the unique health challenges faced by regional Australians.
“My clinical experience sparked a strong interest in public health and health system governance,” Kahlia explains. “That led me to complete a Master of Public Health and eventually sparked my research journey.”
What drives Kahlia’s research today is a commitment to improving healthcare delivery where it matters most: in regional areas like her own hometown. Her work focuses on how digital health tools can support chronic disease management, with a dual goal — not only improving patient outcomes but also strengthening the rural health workforce.
A Unique Opportunity to Make a Difference
Based in the Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research and the scholarship established through funding from the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund for telehealth – and in partnership with Bendigo Health, Kahlia knew this was the chance to make a real impact close to home.
“The scholarship offered me a unique opportunity to stay connected to the place I call home while doing research that addresses the real needs of my community,” Kahlia says. “I was inspired by the idea of creating practical, community-led solutions that could truly improve lives.”
The Industry Research Scholarship provides an environment where research isn’t just theoretical but deeply embedded in local context — a perfect fit for someone passionate about regional health.
Growing as a Researcher and a Community Advocate
The scholarship has been transformative for Kahlia, offering both academic growth under the supervision of Professor Carol McKinstry, Deputy Dean of La Trobe Rural Health School, and a stronger sense of purpose.
“It’s helped me see myself not just as a clinician, but as an emerging researcher capable of contributing to meaningful systems change,” she reflects. “Being able to embed research within a local context and drive innovation that responds to rural needs has deepened my commitment to sustainable healthcare solutions.”
A highlight of the experience has been collaborating closely with Bendigo Health and regional partners, which keeps the research grounded and relevant.
“The dual supervision model combining expertise from La Trobe and industry has been invaluable. It ensures the research is academically rigorous but also practically useful,” Kahlia notes. “And being able to stay based in the region while sharing insights with both clinical and academic audiences has made the journey even more rewarding.”
Advice for Future Applicants
To students, staff, and alumni considering the La Trobe Industry Research Scholarship, Kahlia offers encouraging words:
“If you’re passionate about research that makes a real difference, especially in regional or rural communities, this scholarship is an incredible opportunity. Stay grounded in what matters to you and your community. For me, being able to stay connected to my region while delivering locally relevant outcomes was a big motivator.”
For those unsure about applying, Kahlia emphasises the importance of starting the conversation:
“You don’t need to have everything perfectly mapped out. What matters most is a genuine interest in creating change and a willingness to learn. This scholarship supports people like us living and working in regional areas, it’s practical, supported, and meaningful. If you care about making a difference and want to explore how research can lead to real-world impact, this is the perfect starting point.”
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