Based at the Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research, Professor Evelien Spelten has spent more than a decade working alongside health services, consumers and communities to develop practical, evidence-based solutions to rural health challenges. Her research focuses on consumer-led health research, community paramedicine and supportive care for people living with rare cancers.
Professor Spelten established Australia's first Rural Health Consumer Panel, creating a sustainable mechanism for embedding the voices and experiences of rural people in health research and service planning. She also led the Australian introduction of the internationally recognised CP@clinic community paramedicine model, demonstrating how paramedics can help address primary care gaps and improve access to preventive healthcare in disadvantaged communities.
Her work has attracted more than $8 million in competitive research funding and has informed policy and practice at regional, national and international levels, including contributions to work with the World Health Organization. Through strong partnerships with community health organisations, Professor Spelten has delivered research that is both rigorous and deeply embedded in community need.
A recognised research leader, she has supervised numerous higher degree research candidates, including industry-based PhD projects, and holds senior academic and editorial leadership roles. Her work continues to advance equitable, evidence-based healthcare. Professor Spelten was nominated by Professor Jane Mills, Dean of the La Trobe Rural Health School, and Simone Heald, CEO of North Richmond Community Health.
"Evelien's research exemplifies what is possible when universities, health services and communities work together to solve real-world challenges. Her commitment to improving health outcomes for rural Australians, while ensuring community voices are central to the research process, has created lasting impact across regional Victoria and beyond," Professor Jane Mills said.
Congratulations to Professor Spelten on this well-deserved recognition.
