Associate Professor Amanda Dawson
Professor
School of Medicine and Public Health
- Email:amanda.dawson@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 4320 5572
Career Summary
Biography
Professor Dawson, Clinical Dean, CCCS (Central Coast Clinical School, was appointed the inaugural CCCS Surgery Clinical Academic (2004) with a joint fractional appointment to UON and CCLHD. She achieved tenure (2008), CCCS Clinical Dean (2017) and Associate Professor (2019). Amanda is the JMP/SMPH lead for CCCS, which is located in the CCLHD Health and Wellness Precinct, indicative of the partnership between CCLHD and UON, both vitally pivotal to the health and employment of the Central Coast as evidenced by the recent $368 million CCLHD and $72.5 million CCCS upgrades, both equipped with state of the art technology. Officially opened in 2022 by the Honourable Scott Morrison, Prime Minister. CCCS is the JMP key regional site for the MD degree, responsible for 30% of year3-5 medical student clinical placements and more recently 20% of year 1-2 medical students, with doubled student numbers (2018-21) and additional years of the JMP commenced at CCCS - year 3 (2019), year 1(2021) and year 2 (2022). The innovative CCCS is the only JMP clinical site with year 1 and 2 medical students. Medical student clinical placements typically vary from 2-12 weeks. Additional schools of Nursing, Midwifery and Biomedical Sciences also commenced from 2021. CCCS is therefore pivotal to both SMPH and CHMW and the Central Coast future.
An experienced General Surgeon of 23 years standing she completed a four year post-graduate fellowship in upper-gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and advanced laparoscopy with dual masters degrees in surgical research (MS UNSW) and epidemiology (Mmed University of Sydney). She contributes to the 25,000 CCLHD operations/year, a clinical load that is increasing due to a rapidly growing community (360,000). CCLHD Emergency Department, third busiest in NSW, has >120,000 admissions/year. As a highly skilled surgeon, she maintains key clinical surgical responsibilities, benchmarked internationally in the top quartile of surgical performance for high quality patient outcomes (American College Surgeons NSQIP). She provided extra service for the NSW Elective Surgery Covid Recovery Plan contributing to the 2000 extra CCLHD operations. Esteemed by her peers, she was elected CCLHD Senior Medical Council Chair and CCLHD Board representative for her proven track record of delivering high quality patient focused care in a complex mix of clinical scenarios and leading multi-disciplinary teams in the busy and ever-challenging surgical environment and demonstrated success in providing solutions and making decisions under pressure. This wealth of experience in healthcare leadership roles and implementing innovative solutions to improve operational efficiency in clinical healthcare delivery has led to further roles with NSW Ministry of Health, and AMC developing policies and protocols and professional frameworks and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements that foster improved patient outcomes.
ENGAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
• 2022 University of Newcastle Leadership Excellence Award
• 2021 Inaugural Women in Surgery Leadership Award and Medal - RACS and NSW Government)
Key Leadership Roles:
• Clinical Dean Central Coast Clinical School (CCCS)
• Academic Senate UON - Elected Academic staff member from CHMW board
• Founder and Academic Lead - Near Peer Medical Teaching Central Coast (NPMT)
• Founder and Academic Lead - Surgical Trainee Organisation for Research Central Coast Collaborative (STORCC)
• Chair, Surgical Clinical Scenario Group and the Lead Surgery Examiner, Australian Medical Council
• AMC (Prevocational Standards Committee and the Australasian Specialist College Review Panel )
• National Lead Australia; International Advisory Board University of Birmingham UK - GECKO Trial Collaborative
• National Lead Australia, HIPPO Trial Collaborative
• National Lead Australia, APOLLO Trial Collaborative, Trials and Audits by Medical Students in ANZ (TASMAN)
• National Media Lead Australia, COVIDSURG Week Collaborative
• Prevocational Lead Australia, Clinical Trials Australia and New Zealand (CTANZ)
• Immediate past Chair, Critical Literature Evaluation and Research, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)
• Immediate past Chair CCLHD Medical Staff Council and CCLHD board Senior Medical Staff representative
• RACS Skills Education Committee (course accreditation and governance
Professor Dawson has a strong commitment to the quality of the pre-vocational phase of the medical education continuum. Her leadership roles nationally and internationally in medical education and research are examples of her capacity to work collaboratively towards targets, deliver outcomes effectively including making significant contribution to governance and policy. Her leadership role locally has involved the responsive and thoughtful management of a team of academic and professional staff. In this capacity she has demonstrated an ability to inspire others and build a robust connection with the University’s aspirations. Amanda’s sustained and exceptional performance in leadership were acknowledged by her 2022 leadership awards. Recognised and celebrated as an inspirational leader who contributes to the success of the University of Newcastle, and models excellence in the leadership behaviours identified in the University of Newcastle’s Leadership Framework she was awarded the prestigious 2022 UON Leadership Excellence award, the peak UON leadership award which is evidence of her performance above the expected level of the best staff at level E. As stated in the 2022 UON Annual Report she also received the Inaugural Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and NSW Government Women in Surgery Leadership award in acknowledgement of her sustained and effective contributions to the AMC, RACS, CCLHD and UON, with over 10 years of experience in senior education leadership roles (assessment, accreditation, research, policy development, curriculum design) impacting medical education across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The award was established to recognise and honor female surgeons who have demonstrated leadership in the field of surgery.
This portfolio articulates her key achievements aligning with the engagement priorities of the UON strategic plan (2020-25) and tabulates her key engagement activities.
Work Ready Graduates/ Local Ambassadors/Global Citizens - AIMS, NPMT, STORCC
Amanda has a particular talent of logistic and strategic delivery of work ready graduates from CCCS. A consistently high levelof satisfaction is reported via UON end of placement surveys (please refer to CV). Impact is demonstrated by >40% of CCCS students who are employed by CCLHD as first year medical graduates. Her ability to adapt to change was evidenced by the operationalisation of the AIMS program, a novel work integrated learning initiatives which preserved clinical placement capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic. CCCS is the only JMP site to achieve100% medical student enrolment in the AIMS program which has run sustainably for 4 years (>2020). The AIMS program employs final year medical students as paid pre-interns as a COVID-19 surge workforce. Of the NSW sites which adopted the program, CCCS successfully lobbied for more positions than other JMP sites combined. CCCS students found the experience to be invaluable as published in the peak - Medical Journal of Australia. This was evidenced by 2021 Health Education and Training intern preference data where only students who choose CCLHD as their first preference received an intern placement. Pivotal to delivering an outstanding student experience and promoting an academic pathway on the Central Coast are the innovative NPMT, STORCC and experiential interprofessional field experiences as outlined in the education and research sections of the portfolio. The contributions of both STORCC and NPMT to benefit UON were both recognised by UON awardsin 2022 - Clinical Leadership and Engagement Award (STORCC) and the Teaching Excellence Award (NPMT). Past studentsmhave progressed as NPMT leaders, Education HDR candidates and paid academic positions with UON with founders now progressing to fellowship positions and medical education HDR.
Reimagining our Campuses
Infrastructure and capacity. In her capacity as Clinical Dean she is responsible for the managing CCCS staff, teaching facilities and infrastructure and the delivery of student centred JMP program on the Central Coast. As past Chair CCLHD Medical Staff Council and CCLHD Board member, she enabled important links between key players at the CCLHD and the University, with a resulting upgrade of CCLHD conference facilities, increased clinical placements which ensured adequate positions for the overlap period between the Bmed and MD degrees and the COVID-19 pandemic, sustainably doubled placement capacity and expanded staffing levels, together with establishing new student placement hospitals which also involved negotiating additional specialist placements in private hospitals eg neurosurgery (unavailable in the public sector)which sustainably expanded capacity, in line with UON strategic directions Community Engagement and Equity As a first in school doctor she is committed to equity of educational access. As Clinical Dean she strengthened our local community linkages which have raised the CCCS profile with an engagement strategy featured on the UON JMP admissions webpage. This has included the production of a CCCS orientation video (2018), Ourimbah (>2019) and CCCS (>2023) open day experiences and prospective student seminars for both high school students (>2017) and year 2 medical students (>2020). The seminars pivoted online with the pandemic which expanded the reach for prospective JMP students - 2018 in person (180 attendees) versus online 2021 (435 attendees) and 2023 (384 attendees). This is more than twice the number of first year JMP enrolments. Further engaging with high school students at pivotal decision times in their learning journey she is an invited speaker at careers events such as Breakfast with a Scientist and supports the UNI STEPS portfolio where her NPMT ran a CPR simulation session with chocolate heart prizes. Media engagement is another key community linkage strategy with frequent local newspaper, radio and TV presentations by the CCCS Team. Originally employed by the Photomation Advertising Company she was appointed the National Media lead for the GECKO trial and was interviewed by the Australian Financial Review and the ABC Radio Drive program. Indigenous Health and Education Strongly committed to “closing the gap” she has established opportunities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health including The Glen placements and a student-led clinic in NAIDOC week. Working together with respected UON elder Aunty Bronwyn and CCCS academic Darren Nolan she has created an authentic welcome to country immersive cultural experiences where we explore bush tucker, natural medicines and visits with Community Elders to sites of cultural significance. This ensured CCCS was the preferred site for Miroma Bunbilla graduates in 2023.
Environmental Sustainability
She initiated the Central Coast Carbon Busters as part of the UON Green Impact - sustainability change and engagement program. This led to national leadership roles evaluating the reduction of the global environmental impact of surgery in the HIPPO (2022) and GECKO (2023) research projects and a British Journal of Surgery (2023). Digital Literacy Data collection for her large scale cohort studies and the NPMT website corporate knowledge retention philosophy (Free open access medical education) increases the digital health literacy of the CCCS medical students and junior doctors. Due to her strategy of scaffolding digital health capability development with this focus on self-directed, workplace learning, she was appointed on the Digital Health Capabilities for the Medical Workforce Group a joint industry body with the AMC and the ADHA Agency which subsequently developed the national Digital Health Framework for implementation into the national education curriculum for all Australian health care students, which aligns with the National Digital Workforce and Education Roadmap (2020).
Asia Pacific Focus and Global Impact
Her engagement nationally and internationally demonstrates significant leadership and service to academic surgery with representation of UON at peak medical education and research organisations particularly the AMC and RACS as outlined in her leadership statement and further expanded in the research and education sections of the portfolio. As RACS CLEAR Research Committee Past Chair ($1 million annual budget), a compulsory epidemiology training course for trainee surgeons in Australia and New Zealand, she redesigned the curriculum and subsequently provided opportunities for trainees to apply epidemiological theory in her active support of collaborative clinical trial networks which train and mentor the next research generation. An esteemed innovator, her trainee led initiatives have changed the paradigm for a global collaborative approach to research as they promote a culture of trial design, conduct, governance and leadership at a formative stage of surgical training and mentors the next generation of surgical researchers. She established the first Australian collaborative in 2015, STORCC which now has 150 local members, and she co-founded the CTANZ an international network providing support for Trainee-Led Networks and Trials in Australasia. Internationally recognised she has subsequently been invited as the national lead for the HIPPO, APOLLO and GECKO trials and she has established over 70 hospital sites in all states and territories of Australia. In 2023 she was appointed a member of the Advisory Board for the NIHR Globalsurgery Unit at the University of Birmingham and is an Academic Lead for TASMAN (Trials and Audits by ANZ Medical Students)
Inspiring People
Amanda mentors her academic team to maximise their leadership and academic potential as demonstrated by their roles in UON governance ( JMP leadership, CHMW Board and Academic Senate). Her team represents 100% of the SMPH elected academicson the UON Academic Senate and 3/27 all elected academic senate members. Further evidenced by the UON, CHMW andSMPH awards achieved by all of her team members in 2022. This instrumental skill as an enabler exemplifies hertransformational / team-focused leadership style.
As a positive female surgical role model, this focus on collaborative, collegial interactions is driving a culture change asdemonstrated by established track record of fostering equity and diversity - in Gosford 42% of general surgeons are women(national average 21.8%), this influence is further evidenced by the gender distribution of non surgical specialists at CCLHD, which s well below the national average. She is a surgical mentor for the RACS trainees and Australasian Surgical Students Society with keynote speaker invitations at their Annual Leadership Conference, Pre-intern conference and Women in Surgery events. She is a fellow of the RACS Women in Surgery Section. She was featured in the book – Celebrating Medical Women In NSW published by the AMA in 2022 for her work in challenging others to make gender equity a priority.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
• 2023 Skills Education Scholarship RACS
• 2022 Early Career Teaching CHMW Excellence Award, NPMT Chair David Medvecsky
• 2019 Skills Education Scholarship RACS and 2018 Educator of Merit of the Year Medal RACS
Education Career Highlights:
• Academic Lead and cofounder Near Peer Medical Teaching Central Coast (NPMT) (https://www.npmteaching.com/)
• 5 Education publications, 2 in press (NPMT systematic review)
• 10 years International Education Conference presentations
• Education research funding $223,854
• Co-Editor Medical Education Textbook: (Australian Medicine in Context: Key presentations) in press
• 1 Reports (inter professional Learning)
• 3 National Medical Education Curriculum Frameworks - Digital Health; Prevocational Training
• Education Governance: CHMW Board, UON Academic Senate, AMC (Assessment Committee, Prevocational Training
Accreditaion, Medical Specialist College Review Group) RACS (SEC)
• Australia Medical Council - lead roles assessment and accreditation of providers of prevocational and specialist doctors
• Royal Australasian College of Surgeons - senior instructor CLEAR, ASSET courses; Chair CLEAR
• National Assessment Research Groups - WBARG, CERG, $60,000 Examiner Decision making project
• Curriculum Design: Year 3 MD JMP, CLEAR course RACS
• Member Academy Surgical Educators, Academy for Collaborative Health Interprofessional Education and Vibrant
A distinguished surgical scholar recognised by the AMC as the lead examiner in surgery, Professor Dawson holds significant positions of leadership in education, including clinical teaching, the CHMW board and the UON academic senate. She is actively involved in developing educational policy and curriculum areas across all area of medicine as evidenced by her position of co-editor of the textbook, Australian Medicine in Context (in press), and the development of international medical education policy frameworks in digital health and pre-vocational training (2021-22). However she considers her major achievement to be the further development of her near peer and experiential learning programs. The program continues to expand with a committee of 12 prevocational chairs across the different medical disciplines. Recognised by RACS, she awarded the 2022 education scholarship to present her work at the International Skills conference in Italy (2023) and the RACS inaugural Education Sharktank (2023). The JMP education pathway supervision is expanding NPMT across the JMP footprint and and a new Interprofessional NPMT chair will join following the success of the simulated bus crash field exercise (2023).
An active lifelong learner, Amanda was attracted to the University of Newcastle by the student-centred education exemplified by problem based learning. As a facilitator of this learning process she gained valuable insights into harnessing the group intellect and developed real world experiences to enhance their stimulation of life long learning and to enhance students existing conceptual knowledge frameworks. This enriched teacher-student relationship has fostered ongoing mentorships. Application of this educational pedagogy enabled the foundation of her many innovative education programs as presented at key medical education conferences (AMEE, ANZHAPE, ANZ Prevocational Medical Education Forum) and her work was featured at the Inaugural RACS Shark Tank (2023) and publications in key medical education journals (Clinical Teacher). Key factors of inclusion, motivation, quality assurance and innovation are of paramount importance for an effective education pedagogy and Amanda’s education philosophy. Amanda’s enthusiasm for innovation in workplace based healthcare education is demonstrated by her key academic achievements including the development and ongoing facilitation as academic lead of the Central Coast NPMT and STORCC. Such work helps to create a local and sustainable academic pathway for medical students and junior doctors based on the principles of entrepreneurial pedagogy. The collaborative and experiential focus provides unique opportunities for strengthening education participation and leadership skills with high impact outcomes and has established a local academic career development pathway providing equitable access to academic opportunity, It has clearly inspired and empowered participants, with previous students undertaking lead positions in NPMT as junior doctors and then completing MD education research projects and higher degrees in medical education. NPMT has increased local educational capacity. The program has an enviable track record of gender, ethnicity and training level equity and diversity and was invited to present at the recent RASC ASC sharktank celebrating inclusivity in surgical education. The program has been successful in providing students with readily-accessible clinical education sessions in the forms of tutorials, bedside and skills teaching; and has also provided inclusive teaching opportunities for junior doctors in various stages of their training. It provides educators with a variety of opportunities in teaching skills, curriculum development and leadership; which has also been successful in fulfilling college training requirements. The program’s positive benefit on medical education is reflected by its accolades, having been awarded the UON Teaching Excellence Award in 2017 and 2022 and has influenced ongoing research in the medical education space. Tutor engagement consistently exceeds 50% of local JMOs workforce, with many programs being over-subscribed for tutors, and with motivated junior doctors at the helm, NPMT has grown to include a committee of 14 leadership positions. Recognised for these innovations in workplace based education she was invited to join the national education research group WBARG. Experiential education is embedded within clinical medicine with work place based immersion as exemplified by the Assistants in Medicine Program. Extending this concept to active student centred education, Amanda developed the BEACCHES and BRANCHES programs to foster team work and wellbeing and promote the positive aspects of the hidden curriculum for her students by improving social connectedness and subsequently motivated her team to further develop these concepts with the Welcome to Country (D Nolan) VENOM program at the Australian Reptile Park (J Shirley and M Bourke) as featured on NBN news, live streaming of surgery (M Bourke School of Biomedical Sciences) . Incorporating Mayer’s theory of multimedia learning, we discussed anatomy in operative surgery, utilising schematics and radiological investigations (SECTRA workstation) to illustrate key points and topographical relationships (ANZHAPE 2021). Interprofessional education exemplified by the trauma scenario involving a simulated bus crash with both pre and hospital clinicians (H Petal) as presented at the inaugural RACS Surgical Education Sharktank.
Leading curriculum redevelopment, student learning and teaching delivery which are pivotal to delivering an outstanding student experience, Amanda is recognised for her educational scholarship by the AMC, the peak medical education and national accreditation body, and was selected for her excellence in teaching, to undertake the role of national lead clinical examiner in surgery. The JMP Clinical Placement surveys consistently report a high level of student satisfaction with Amanda’s CCCS surgical teaching which consistently outperforms all other JMP sites with an average score of 88% across the 10 domains. Her knowledge of contemporary surgical education theory defines her combination of experiential learning with the acquisition of cognitive and interpersonal skills as it also recognises the dissonant learning styles of surgeons (convergent) and students (assimilating). This stresses the importance of the multifaceted NPMT to enhance engagement across a myriad of learning styles and provides an exceptional student experience. She has applied her scholarship to curriculum design (RACS CLEAR course, JMP MEDI4101 Contexts of Medical Practice and MEDI3101 Engaging in Clinical Practice at AQF Level 7) and is a co-editor of the medical education textbook: Australian Medicine in Context: Key presentations and topics for entry to practice (in print).
Her wealth of professional experience in the area of digital learning, and assessment design, educational quality, open and online education and institutional transformation is recognised in the national and international arena. Setting appropriate standards for the prevocational phase of medical education is important to Amanda. As PREVAC Assessment Lead, she has demonstrated a sound working knowledge by implementing the guidelines and procedures for accreditation with the application of previous knowledge (RACS SEC 2013-18). PREVAC is responsible for monitoring all Australian intern training accreditation authorities, WBA and PESCI providers. These accreditation and governance skills are also applicable to current roles with the UON Academic Senate and CHMW Board. Her prevocational and assessment expertise, led to further roles including developing the Digital Health Framework for Australasian Medical Schools and the new Prevocational Framework and e- portfolio for junior doctors which incorporate key competencies of education and research as exemplified by her CCCS programs. Appointed to the Digital Health Capabilities Medical Workforce Advisory Group {joint advisory project team of the AMC, and the Australian Government Digital Health Agency (ADHA).} as the Assessment expert. This proved prophetically instrumental during the covid-19 pandemic in applying digital platforms for education and assessment and how technology impacts the standards of medical education, training and practice in Australia. This strategic change platform for the continuum of medical education in digital health has implications for curriculum change for all health student undergraduates created a horizon series strategic paper, a digital capability framework for medicine. PREVAC responsibilities include a comprehensive review and subsequent governance of the implementation of the National Framework for Prevocational doctors on behalf of the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC). This work arose from Health Ministers’ 2018 response to the 2015 COAG Review of Medical Intern Training. The Framework was developed for the MBA, sets standards and provides guidance for intern assessment linked to the General registration standard as well as national expectations for intern placements.
Amanda has demonstrated sustained commitment and excellence in assessment roles with the AMC appointed Surgery Discipline Lead and Chair of the Surgery Clinical Scenario Writing Group (>2017), responsible for blueprinting the National surgical exam curriculum, auditing and reviewing the performance of the questions in the exam, co-ordinating the surgical writing group, and supporting the development of new surgical examiners. Her exemplary recorded performance as an examiner is used to train and calibrate other examiners. She played a foundational role in the successful implementation of the new online clinical examination for international medical graduates (2021), a global first as we pivoted during the covid-19 pandemic. Her assessment expertise recognised by an invitation to join CERG and WBARG which brings together subject matter experts to develop the research agenda for national assessment.
RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
• 2022 UON College of Health, Medicine and Well-being Clinical Leadership and Engagement Award (STORCC)
• 2003 Raelene Boyle Scholarship for Cancer Research (RACS) and 1994 D.R. Leslie Research Medal (RACS)
Research Career Highlights:
• 48 peer review publications ( 6 in press); 1 medical education textbook (in press)
• Research Funding: $ 2.006 Million (Global Surgery Unit Research Collaborative Funding: £6million)
• H-index 14, H-5 Index by year (2018-2023) 8; FWCI 5.7
• UON SMPH research performance 35 points in 12 months (level E requires 15 points over 3 years)
• 5 THE LANCET articles (The journal has an Impact Factor of 168·9 (2022 Journal Citation Reports®, Clarivate 2023) and
ranks first among 167 general and internal medicine journals globally, and a Scopus Cite Score of 133·2—ranking second
among 830 general medicine journals)
• Research supervision; Undergraduate Research: 9 JMP QSIH; Postgraduate: Inaugural CCCS MPhil, 3 MD Education
Pathway; 7 FRACS Research projects; PhD reviewer (University of Sydney; University of Adelaide)
• Academic Lead and Co-founder STORCC (150 members; >15000 international collaborators, 128 countries)
• Prevocational Lead and Co-founder Clinical Trials Australia and New Zealand Network (CTANZ)
• Trials: 1 systematic review; 3 RCT; 11 International Collaborative Cohort Trials (3 Australian Lead; 8 Australia Co-Lead)
• Immediate Past Chair - CLEAR RACS course ($1 million annual budget, compulsory research training ANZ surgeons
• Peer Reviewer ANZ Journal of Surgery; British Journal of Surgery young BJS editorial initiative, RACS grants/scholarships panel
• Member Academic Surgery Section RACS. Member Surgical Research Society of Australasia
• UON Academic Dashboard: Benchmarking FWCI against other level D SMPH academics and in comparison with level D
(SMPH, CHMW, UON) and all staff including level E (SMPH, CHMW, UON) and ranked 18th of ALL University of
Newcastle level D academics by research publication volume for last 5 years
• 1st Level D SMPH (2021) FWCI; 2nd Level D CHMW (2021) FWCI
• 5th Level D All Academic staff of ALL UON Colleges (2021)FWCI
• 5th All Academic Staff (including level E) SMPH FWCI
• 10th All Academic Staff (including level E) CHMW FWCI
• 18th All UON Academic Staff (including level E) All UON Colleges FWCI
KEY Current Projects 2023:
• Surgical Trainee Organisation for Research Central Coast Collaborative - inspiring students and junior doctors to incorporate research into their daily practice (https://storcc.com)
• Does participation in collaborative research change surgical culture international survey (CPI)
• GECKO - Global Evaluation of Cholecystectomy, Knowledge and Outcomes (International Advisory Board,
Australian Lead)
• Building on the success of trainee-led collaborative research – what are the next steps? Review Article (in press)
• Near Peer Medical Teaching Central Coast (NPMT)
• Systematic Review of Near Peer Teaching (in press) - senior author
• How does teaching in a near-peer program influence junior doctors’ perceptions of their clinical ability, professional qualities and attitudes towards medical education - senior author
• Interprofessional research
• Volunteer taster project - medicine lead (in press)
• Inter professional Field Trauma Simulation (presented Surgical Education Shark Tank Adelaide and Clinical Skills Conference (Italy) 2023
• National Education Research
• Clinical Examiner Decision Making Project ($60,000) PI
As an academic surgeon, Professor Dawson is experienced in laboratory, clinical and education research. As Chair CLEAR, the peak research training course for surgeons in Australia and Aoteroa New Zealand her expertise in epidemiology was recognised by RACS. She is a world leader in the area of Trainee-Led Research and Near Peer Teaching. and has gained an international reputation in this emerging field, invited to join the prestigious NIHR Global Surgery Advisory Board at the University of Birmingham with key roles in media engagement, protocol development, international dissemination and leadership in Oceania in the COVIDSurg Week, HIPPO and GECKO trials with subsequent international impacts on global surgery policy and guidelines. She has demonstrated a sustained history of international foundational roles with a developing track record of funding success (>$2 million) and supporting the research of her CCCS team. Benchmarked against UON SMPH peers, she was ranked first in FWCI and has exceeded the 3 year (15 point) expectations for level E research performance in just the last 12 months (SMPH).
Amanda strategically applied the educational theory of an entrepreneurial and experiential pedagogy to develop a research pathway which prioritises providing students and junior doctors with opportunities that most effectively achieve high impact benefits which maximise their potential. Her strong background in Epidemiology (University of Sydney) and Cancer Research (Garvan Institute, UNSW) together with a sustained history of foundational research roles - Australasian Pancreatic Club(2002), NSW Pancreatic Cancer Network (2004), STORCC (2015), CTANZ (2017), have proved instrumental. Whilst CLEAR chair, recognising the importance of an authentic research experience of real world problems for junior doctors and medical students she founded STORCC, the first pre- vocational Trainee-led research group in Australasia. STORCC members develop proficiency in large scale clinical trial research participation, capacity to effectively manage a local research site, and national leadership capability. Designed with a dual purpose, STORCC promotes a culture of trial design and governance at a formative stage of medical training which ultimately produces scientifically literate active clinician researchers and within 2 years of formation completed the first international trial. Amanda’s development of STORCC led to a foundation role - CTANZ which is supported by the RACS Section of Academic Surgery designed to support the development of trainee led trials groups across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
The impact of STORCC is evidenced by: 150 STORCC Researchers - have completed 12 large scale international trials and each member has at least one publication with key publication in The LANCET. It was featured in several review articles and received a CHMW leadership award (2022). The impact of these publications is significant, the 2021 publication “Timing of surgery following SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international prospective cohort study” in Anaesthesia has the highest ever altmetric score for this journal. This study COVIDSurg week was the largest ever surgical trial with over 140,000 patients from116 countries collected in the month of October 2020 as recognised by the Guinness Book of Records. Gosford was the largest Australasian site for this project. This has led to important information regarding the optimal timing of surgery following SARS- CoV-2 infection. An earlier project, published in The Lancet in 2021 were the results of the Global Surgery 3 Collaborative project. This study demonstrated that global demand for cancer surgery is expected to increase from 9.1 million to 13.8 million procedures over the next 20 years, requiring a huge increase in the workforce including nearly 200,000 additional surgeons and 87,000 anaesthetists around the world. The study demonstrated global inequity with cancer patients in low and lower middle-income countries up to six times more likely to die from complications within 30 days of surgery, compared to those in high-income countries,
Amanda is currently on the University of Birmingham Global Surgery Unit Advisory Board for the international GECKO trial and as the Australian Lead she has recruited 70 Australian hospitals which makes it the largest trainee led trial in Australasia. It appears that the strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork of collaborative research is changing the culture of surgery. This is a current area of research focus and is currently undergoing ethical review.
Evidenced Based Medicine (EBM) Research Education Leadership was demonstrated as CLEAR Chair (2012-20) and Senior Instructor (>2002), responsible for leading the program to deliver EBM Research training to all RACS surgery trainees throughout Australasia - 10 courses, 300 candidates/year, annual budget $1 million. This led to the development of BRANCHHES (Be Research Active and Network Central Coast Hospitals) an effective blended and experiential learning methodology to foster teamwork and EBM education for MD students, junior doctors and their supervisors (>2018). As previously discussed, her key education research projects further examine national student assessment (Examiner Decision Making Project ) and the entrepreneurial methodology in the theory and practice of teaching as evidenced by the award winning Trainee-Led NPMT with international prevocational educational impact, and presentations at peak international medical education conferences - AMEE, ANZPMEF, Italian International Clinical Skills Conference, ANZAHPE, PRINT and the RACS ASC, supported by successful grants. Publications - The Clinical Teacher (journal of the eminent ASME Association) and Australian Journal of Clinical Education.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS:
Amanda’s ability as an intentional leader to leverage strategic insights, clinical expertise, leadership skills and governance experience to promote a high performance team culture, high staff morale and alignment to best practice are evidence of her strategic vision which aligns with the UON strategy of an exceptional student experience that provides work ready graduates to the benefit of both our local region and the global community. She is highly committed to providing opportunities for her students and team to achieve their full potential and is equipped with well-developed interpersonal communication and engagement capabilities, accentuated by exceptional problem solving, critical thinking and decision- making skills to influence change, and continuous improvement and is able to take focused consistent action to achieve her goals.
As a recognised international lead of an emerging collaboration that supports students and junior clinicians in their academic development, the strength of these networks within the health and academic sectors support further opportunities across over 120 countries. Her contributions to date and enthusiasm for innovation in workplace-based healthcare teaching is ideally connected to the priorities to support globally connected and locally focused research and aligns to the CCLHD strategic parameters (2021-25) - leadership, infrastructure, enrichment and collaboration and the UON strategic framework. She is in a strategic position to drive clinical and health service research development.
The academic pathway she has developed has mentored and nurtured both students and medical staff and has established an appetite for the local development of both education and research opportunities, Highly skilled at logistical and strategic delivery this is a program she is well equipped to deliver with her particular talents of enablement and foundational roles.
Qualifications
- Master of Surgery (Research), University of New South Wales
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, University of Melbourne
- Master of Medicine (Clinical Epidemiology), University of Sydney
Keywords
- Medical Education
- Near Peer Teaching
- Surgery
- Trainee Led Research Collaboration
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
---|---|---|
320226 | Surgery | 100 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|
Professor | University of Newcastle School of Medicine and Public Health Australia |
Academic appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
1/6/2017 - 31/7/2040 | Clinical Dean, Central Coast Medical School | School of Medicine & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Medicine, University of Newcastle | Australia Australia |
31/1/2002 - 31/12/2003 | Post-graduate Scholar | Garvan Institute of Medical Research Cancer Research Program Australia |
Professional appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
1/1/2016 - 31/12/2018 | Chair Gosford Medical Staff Council | Central Coast Health Australia |
1/8/2005 - | General Surgeon | Central Coast Health Teaching & Research Unit |
1/1/2004 - | General Surgeon VMO | Gosford Private hospital Australia |
1/1/2004 - | General Surgeon VMO | Brisbane Waters Private Hospital Australia |
Awards
Award
Year | Award |
---|---|
2022 |
New South Wales Inaugural Women in Leadership Award Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) |
2022 |
University of Newcastle Leadership Excellence Award The University of Newcastle |
2022 |
Clinical Leadership and Engagement College Health, Medicine and Wellbeing - The University of Newcastle (Australia) |
2018 |
Educator of Merit of the Year Royal Australasian College (RACS) Section of Academic Surgery |
Prize
Year | Award |
---|---|
1995 |
D.R. Leslie Prize Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) |
Invitations
Committee Member
Year | Title / Rationale |
---|---|
2017 | CTANZ - Clinical Trials Network Australia New Zealand |
2017 | Inaugural CTANZ workshop |
Keynote Speaker
Year | Title / Rationale |
---|---|
2017 | Surgery as a Career |
2015 | Reflux and Hiatus Herniae |
Panel Participant
Year | Title / Rationale |
---|---|
2018 |
Print 2018 - Pre-Internship Conference The PRINT Conference is the leading academic conference for final year medical students. |
2017 | Research Papers (General Surgery) |
2014 |
Hiddradenitis Suppurativa Invited international speaker and surgery representative for the Asia-Pacific Hidradenitis Suppurativa Advisory Board Meeting. I delivered a presentation with a comprehensive review of the current surgical management of hidradenitis suppurativa and contributed to the discussion of management of this condition. |
Peer Reviewer
Year | Title / Rationale |
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2017 | 15th World Congress Public Health |
Thesis Examinations
Year | Level | Discipline | Thesis |
---|---|---|---|
2020 | PHD | Health | An E-learning Approach to the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism: An Educational and Human Factors Study |
2020 | PHD | Health | Prognostic factors in the management of the open abdomen |
2016 | Honours | Health | Preventing early bile duct injury in liver transplantation: an additional bile duct flush? |
2016 | Honours | Health | Preventing early bile duct injury in liver transplantation: an additional bile duct flush? |
Teaching
Code | Course | Role | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
MEDI4101 |
Contexts of Medical Practice School of Medicine & Population Health, Faculty of Health & Medicine, University of Newcastle |
Course Design and Course Co-ordination | 1/1/2017 - 31/12/2025 |
ASSET |
Australia and New Zealand Surgical Skills Education and Training Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) |
Senior Instructor | 1/1/2002 - 31/12/2029 |
SP |
Simulated Patient Training Australian Medical Council |
Course Design and Delivery, Instructor | 1/1/2014 - 31/12/2029 |
MEDI3101 |
Engaging In Clinical Practice School of Medicine & Population Health, Faculty of Health & Medicine, University of Newcastle |
Course Design | 1/1/2017 - 20/10/2018 |
CLEAR |
Critical Literature Evaluation and Research (CLEAR) Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) |
Senior Instructor, Chair and Past Chair. | 1/9/2018 - 31/12/2030 |
MEDI4016 |
Year 4 Surgery School of Medicine & Population Health, Faculty of Health & Medicine, University of Newcastle |
Senior Lecturer in Surgery | 1/1/2004 - 31/12/2019 |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Book (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2019 |
Dawson A, Self M, Adie S, Byrom M, Edwards R, Hoffman C, et al., Critical Literature Evaluation and Research Course - 2nd Edition Course Faculty Handbook, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Melbourne (2019)
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Journal article (53 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
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2024 |
Xu W, 'Impact of opioid-free analgesia on pain severity and patient satisfaction after discharge from surgery: multispecialty, prospective cohort study in 25 countries', BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY, 111 (2024) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2024 |
Barker ME, King J, Mitchell B, Dawson A, Crowfoot G, 'The effect of hospital volunteering on empathy in nursing and medical students', Collegian, 31 34-39 (2024) [C1] Background: Empathic care benefits patients and healthcare providers. There is evidence of self-reported empathy decline among students in healthcare education. Hospital volunteer... [more] Background: Empathic care benefits patients and healthcare providers. There is evidence of self-reported empathy decline among students in healthcare education. Hospital volunteering could assist undergraduate healthcare students to develop empathetic relationships with patients. Aim: The study aimed to investigate the feasibility and effect of a hospital volunteering intervention on the empathy levels of undergraduate nursing and medical students. It further aimed to explore their experience of the intervention and determine student-identified areas for patient safety improvements. Design: Pre¿post-intervention study Setting: A large outer metropolitan hospital in New South Wales, Australia. Participants: Twenty-nine (n = 29) undergraduate nursing and medical students from an Australian university. Methods: Students had an introductory experience of volunteering at their local district hospital through participation in the ¿Volunteer Taster Program¿. The Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Professions Student questionnaire was used to measure student empathy scores pre and post program. Responses to open-ended questions were thematically analysed to evaluate student experiences and identify student-reported areas for patient safety improvements. Results: Twenty-nine students (18 nursing, 11 medical) completed the program. Students had statistically significant improvements in post-intervention mean empathy scores 112.03 (95% CI 107.56, 116.5) to 117.38 (95% CI 113.76, 121.00) p < 0.001. Subgroup analysis identified a larger increase in empathy scores among medical students than nursing students. The thematic analysis revealed potential program benefits, including new perspectives of the patient experience, improved confidence in patient communication, a stronger professional identity, and a rewarding experience. Identified patient safety issues included concerns for patients¿ emotional and physical well-being, and patient communication. Conclusions: The Volunteer Taster Program is feasible and enabled nursing and medical students to connect with patients outside the sphere of clinical education. It appears to increase empathy levels in undergraduate students and could assist them to deliver empathetic, person-centred healthcare.
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Nova | |||||||||
2023 |
Adisa A, Bahrami-Hessari M, Bhangu A, George C, Ghosh D, Glasbey J, et al., 'Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries', British Journal of Surgery, 110 804-817 (2023) [C1]
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2022 |
Lee MJ, Chapman SJ, Blackwell S, Arnott R, ten Broek RPG, Delaney CP, et al., 'A core outcome set for clinical studies of adhesive small bowel obstruction', Colorectal Disease, (2022) [C1] Aim: Adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) is a common surgical emergency condition. Research in the field is plentiful; however, inconsistency in outcome reporting makes compar... [more] Aim: Adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) is a common surgical emergency condition. Research in the field is plentiful; however, inconsistency in outcome reporting makes comparisons challenging. The aim of this study was to define a core outcome set (COS) for studies of ASBO. Methods: The long list of outcomes was identified through systematic review, and focus groups across different geographical regions. A modified Delphi consensus exercise of three rounds was undertaken with stakeholder groups (patients and clinicians). Items were rated on a 9-point Likert scale. Items exceeding 70% rating at 7¿9 were passed to the consensus meeting. New item proposals were invited in round 1. Individualised feedback on prior voting compared to other participants was provided. An international consensus meeting was convened to ratify the final COS. Results: In round 1, 56 items were rated by 118 respondents. A total of 18 items reached consensus, and respondents proposed an additional 10 items. Round 2 was completed by 90 respondents, and nine items achieved consensus. In round 3, 80 surveys were completed; one item achieved consensus, and five borderline items were identified. The final COS included 26 outcomes, mapped to the following domains: Interventions, need for stoma, septic complications, return of gut function, patient reported outcomes, and recurrence of obstruction, as well as mortality, failure to rescue, and time to resolution. Conclusion: This COS should be used in future studies in the treatment of adhesive SBO. Further studies to define a core measurement set are needed to identify the optimum tools to measure each outcome.
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2022 |
Ahmed WUR, Bhatia S, McLean KA, Khaw R, Baker D, Kamarajah SK, et al., 'Validation of the OAKS prognostic model for acute kidney injury after gastrointestinal surgery', BJS OPEN, 6 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Knight SR, Shaw CA, Pius R, Drake TM, Norman L, Ademuyiwa AO, et al., 'Effects of hospital facilities on patient outcomes after cancer surgery: an international, prospective, observational study', The Lancet Global Health, 10 e1003-e1011 (2022) [C1] Background: Early death after cancer surgery is higher in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with in high-income countries, yet the impact of facility charact... [more] Background: Early death after cancer surgery is higher in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with in high-income countries, yet the impact of facility characteristics on early postoperative outcomes is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association between hospital infrastructure, resource availability, and processes on early outcomes after cancer surgery worldwide. Methods: A multimethods analysis was performed as part of the GlobalSurg 3 study¿a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study of patients who had surgery for breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day major complication rates. Potentially beneficial hospital facilities were identified by variable selection to select those associated with 30-day mortality. Adjusted outcomes were determined using generalised estimating equations to account for patient characteristics and country-income group, with population stratification by hospital. Findings: Between April 1, 2018, and April 23, 2019, facility-level data were collected for 9685 patients across 238 hospitals in 66 countries (91 hospitals in 20 high-income countries; 57 hospitals in 19 upper-middle-income countries; and 90 hospitals in 27 low-income to lower-middle-income countries). The availability of five hospital facilities was inversely associated with mortality: ultrasound, CT scanner, critical care unit, opioid analgesia, and oncologist. After adjustment for case-mix and country income group, hospitals with three or fewer of these facilities (62 hospitals, 1294 patients) had higher mortality compared with those with four or five (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3·85 [95% CI 2·58¿5·75]; p<0·0001), with excess mortality predominantly explained by a limited capacity to rescue following the development of major complications (63·0% vs 82·7%; OR 0·35 [0·23¿0·53]; p<0·0001). Across LMICs, improvements in hospital facilities would prevent one to three deaths for every 100 patients undergoing surgery for cancer. Interpretation: Hospitals with higher levels of infrastructure and resources have better outcomes after cancer surgery, independent of country income. Without urgent strengthening of hospital infrastructure and resources, the reductions in cancer-associated mortality associated with improved access will not be realised. Funding: National Institute for Health and Care Research.
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2022 |
Glasbey JC, Abbott TEF, Ademuyiwa A, Adisa A, AlAmeer E, Alshryda S, Arnaud AP, 'Elective surgery system strengthening: development, measurement, and validation of the surgical preparedness index across 1632 hospitals in 119 countries', LANCET, 400 1607-1617 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Kouli O, Murray V, Bhatia S, Cambridge WA, Kawka M, Shafi S, et al., 'Evaluation of prognostic risk models for postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a systematic review and international external validation cohort study', The Lancet Digital Health, 4 e520-e531 (2022) [C1] Background: Stratifying risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery allows clinicians to modify risk through targeted interventions and enhanced mo... [more] Background: Stratifying risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery allows clinicians to modify risk through targeted interventions and enhanced monitoring. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate prognostic models against a new consensus definition of postoperative pulmonary complications. Methods: We did a systematic review and international external validation cohort study. The systematic review was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on March 1, 2020, for articles published in English that reported on risk prediction models for postoperative pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. External validation of existing models was done within a prospective international cohort study of adult patients (=18 years) undergoing major abdominal surgery. Data were collected between Jan 1, 2019, and April 30, 2019, in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Discriminative ability and prognostic accuracy summary statistics were compared between models for the 30-day postoperative pulmonary complication rate as defined by the Standardised Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine Core Outcome Measures in Perioperative and Anaesthetic Care (StEP-COMPAC). Model performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC). Findings: In total, we identified 2903 records from our literature search; of which, 2514 (86·6%) unique records were screened, 121 (4·8%) of 2514 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 29 unique prognostic models were identified. Nine (31·0%) of 29 models had score development reported only, 19 (65·5%) had undergone internal validation, and only four (13·8%) had been externally validated. Data to validate six eligible models were collected in the international external validation cohort study. Data from 11 591 patients were available, with an overall postoperative pulmonary complication rate of 7·8% (n=903). None of the six models showed good discrimination (defined as AUROCC =0·70) for identifying postoperative pulmonary complications, with the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia score showing the best discrimination (AUROCC 0·700 [95% CI 0·683¿0·717]). Interpretation: In the pre-COVID-19 pandemic data, variability in the risk of pulmonary complications (StEP-COMPAC definition) following major abdominal surgery was poorly described by existing prognostication tools. To improve surgical safety during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery and beyond, novel risk stratification tools are required. Funding: British Journal of Surgery Society.
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2022 |
Adamina M, Ademuyiwa A, Adisa A, Bhangu AA, Bravo AM, Cunha MF, et al., 'The impact of surgical delay on resectability of colorectal cancer: An international prospective cohort study', COLORECTAL DISEASE, 24 708-726 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
'The management of peri-operative anaemia in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery in Australia and New Zealand: a prospective cohort study', Medical Journal of Australia, 217 487-493 (2022) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2022 |
Chapman SJ, Lee MJ, Blackwell S, Arnott R, ten Broek RPG, Delaney CP, et al., 'Core outcome set for clinical studies of postoperative ileus after intestinal surgery', British Journal of Surgery, 109 493-496 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Pockney P, Dawson A, McGee R, Pahalawatta U, Gani J, Wong D, 'SARS-CoV-2 infection and venous thromboembolism after surgery: an international prospective cohort study', Anaesthesia, 77 28-39 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Fotopoulou C, Khan T, Bracinik J, Glasbey J, Abu-Rustum N, Chiva L, et al., 'Outcomes of gynecologic cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: an international, multicenter, prospective CovidSurg-Gynecologic Oncology Cancer study', American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 227 735.e1-735.e25 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
HITCHMAN L, MACHIN M, 'Impact of COVID-19 on vascular patients worldwide: analysis of the COVIDSurg data', The Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery, 62 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
'Mortality and pulmonary complications in emergency general surgery patients with COVID-19: A large international multicenter study', Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 93 59-65 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Spiers HVM, Kouli O, Ahmed WU, Varley R, Ahari D, Argus L, et al., 'Global overview of the management of acute cholecystitis during the COVID-19 pandemic (CHOLECOVID study)', BJS Open, 6 (2022) [C1]
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2021 |
COVIDSurg Collaborative, Dawson AC, Pockney P, Ietto G, 'Machine learning risk prediction of mortality for patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2: The COVIDSurg mortality score', British Journal of Surgery, 108 1274-1292 (2021) [C1]
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2021 |
Knight SR, Shaw CA, Pius R, Drake TM, Norman L, Ademuyiwa AO, et al., 'Global variation in postoperative mortality and complications after cancer surgery: a multicentre, prospective cohort study in 82 countries', LANCET, 397 387-397 (2021) [C1]
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2021 |
Kachapila M, Ademuyiwa AO, Biccard BM, Ghosh DN, Glasbey J, Monahan M, et al., 'Preliminary model assessing the cost-effectiveness of preoperative chlorhexidine mouthwash at reducing postoperative pneumonia among abdominal surgery patients in South Africa', PLOS ONE, 16 (2021) [C1]
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2021 |
Panozzo B, Dixson G, St Flour P, Ryall M-A, Dawson A, 'Evaluating medical student and teacher attitudes of virtually delivered near peer medical teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic', Australian Journal of Clinical Education, 9 [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2021 |
COVID Surg Collaborative, Dawson A, 'Effects of preoperative isolation on postoperative pulmonary complications after elective surgery', Anaesthesia, 76 1454-1464 (2021) [C1]
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2021 |
McLean KA, Kamarajah SK, Chaudhry D, Gujjuri RR, Raubenheimer K, Trout I, et al., 'Death following pulmonary complications of surgery before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic', BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY, 108 1448-1464 (2021) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2021 |
Khatri C, Ward AE, Nepogodiev D, Ahmed I, Chaudhry D, Dhaif F, et al., 'Outcomes after perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with proximal femoral fractures: an international cohort study', BMJ OPEN, 11 (2021) [C1]
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2021 |
McGee R, Dawson AC, Wong D, 'SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study', British Journal of Surgery, 108 1056-1063 (2021) [C1]
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2021 |
Nepogodiev D, Simoes JFF, Li E, Picciochi M, Glasbey JC, Baiocchi G, Blanco-Colino R, 'Timing of surgery following SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international prospective cohort study', ANAESTHESIA, 76 748-758 (2021) [C1]
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2021 |
Glasbey JC, Ademuyiwa A, Adisa A, AlAmeer E, Arnaud AP, Ayasra F, Azevedo J, 'Effect of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on planned cancer surgery for 15 tumour types in 61 countries: an international, prospective, cohort study', LANCET ONCOLOGY, 22 1507-1517 (2021) [C1]
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2020 |
Chapman SJ, Blanco-Colino R, Pérez-Ajates S, Bautista OA, Hodson J, Blanco-Colino R, et al., 'Safety of hospital discharge before return of bowel function after elective colorectal surgery', British Journal of Surgery, (2020) [C1] © 2020 BJS Society Ltd Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd Background: Ileus is common after colorectal surgery and is associated with an increased risk of postoperative comp... [more] © 2020 BJS Society Ltd Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd Background: Ileus is common after colorectal surgery and is associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. Identifying features of normal bowel recovery and the appropriateness for hospital discharge is challenging. This study explored the safety of hospital discharge before the return of bowel function. Methods: A prospective, multicentre cohort study was undertaken across an international collaborative network. Adult patients undergoing elective colorectal resection between January and April 2018 were included. The main outcome of interest was readmission to hospital within 30 days of surgery. The impact of discharge timing according to the return of bowel function was explored using multivariable regression analysis. Other outcomes were postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery, measured using the Clavien¿Dindo classification system. Results: A total of 3288 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 301 (9·2 per cent) were discharged before the return of bowel function. The median duration of hospital stay for patients discharged before and after return of bowel function was 5 (i.q.r. 4¿7) and 7 (6¿8) days respectively (P < 0·001). There were no significant differences in rates of readmission between these groups (6·6 versus 8·0 per cent; P = 0·499), and this remained the case after multivariable adjustment for baseline differences (odds ratio 0·90, 95 per cent c.i. 0·55 to 1·46; P = 0·659). Rates of postoperative complications were also similar in those discharged before versus after return of bowel function (minor: 34·7 versus 39·5 per cent; major 3·3 versus 3·4 per cent; P = 0·110). Conclusion: Discharge before return of bowel function after elective colorectal surgery appears to be safe in appropriately selected patients.
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2020 |
Anonymous, Clerc D, Blanco-Colino R, Otto A, Nepogodiev D, Pagano G, Schaeff V, 'Safety and efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce ileus after colorectal surgery', BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY, 107 E161-E169 (2020) [C1]
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2020 |
'Timing of nasogastric tube insertion and the risk of postoperative pneumonia: an international, prospective cohort study', COLORECTAL DISEASE, 22 2288-2297 (2020) [C1]
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2019 |
Short B, Lambeth L, David M, Ryall M, Hood C, Pahalawatta U, Dawson A, 'An immersive orientation program to improve medical student integration and wellbeing', The Clinical Teacher, 16 323-328 (2019) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
2019 |
O'Brien AP, McNeil KA, Dawson AC, 'The student experience of clinical supervision across health disciplines Perspectives and remedies to enhance clinical placement', Nurse Education in Practice, 34 48-55 (2019) [C1]
|
Nova | |||||||||
Show 50 more journal articles |
Conference (54 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 |
Bourke M, Pahalawatta U, Lun E, Fiorentino M, Rattan R, Bourke B, et al., 'The Future of Post Graduate Anatomy Education', Online (2021)
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2021 | Lobo L, Zhang L, Dawson A, 'Increasing Rational Pathology Ordering in Junior Medical Officers through Targeted Teaching', Virtual (2021) | ||||
2021 | Lobo L, Zhang L, Dawson A, 'Rapid Development of Near-Peer Teaching Readiness in Junior Medical Officers Through a Single Education Session', Virtual (2021) | ||||
2015 | Dawson AC, Pearlman R, Yan K, Ghosh S, Francis J, 'Management of Biliary Pathology: A three year review of ASU within a geographically confined catchment area.', Hamilton Island, Queensland (2015) [E3] | ||||
Show 51 more conferences |
Media (6 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
---|---|---|---|
2018 | Dawson A, Pahalawatta U, 'ABC Radio Central Coast Interview with Scott Levi', (2018) | ||
2018 | Hood C, Dawson A, 'Central Coast Medical School Newsletter Issue 2', (2018) | ||
2018 | Dawson AC, 'Introduction to Central Coast Medical School Video', (2018) | ||
Show 3 more medias |
Other (10 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
---|---|---|---|
2017 | March B, Dawson AC, Self D, 'Laparoscopic Appendicectomy Consent Video', (2017) | ||
2016 | Dawson AC, Self M, Harris I, Fisher C, Truter E, Edwards R, et al., 'Course Participant Manual Critical Literature Evaluation and Research. Edition 15', ( pp.1-249). Melbourne: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (2016) | ||
2015 | Dawson AC, Self M, Harris I, Fisher C, Truter E, Edwards R, et al., 'CLEAR Course for Consultants Manual', ( pp.1-252). Melbourne: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (2015) | ||
Show 7 more others |
Presentation (7 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | Patel H, Dawson A, 'The value of interprofessional learning in pre-hospital care', (2023) | ||
2023 | Murugananthan K, Chia D, Mitchell A, Dawson A, 'Near Peer Medical Teaching Program', (2023) | ||
2023 | Xu W, Dawson A, 'Opiod vs opiod free analgesia after discharge from surgery: an propensity matched analysis of a prospective cohort study', (2023) | ||
Show 4 more presentations |
Report (3 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | Dawson A, 'Health Workforce Reform Leveraged through Medical Education and Accreditation:', Australian Government Australian Digital Health Agency and the Australian Medical Council (2021) | ||||
2021 | Dawson A, 'Digital Health In Medicine Capability Framework', Australian Government Australian Digital Heath Agency and the Australian Medical Council (2021) | ||||
2015 |
O'Brien AP, McNeil K, Dawson A, Olaisen JA, Veysey M, Dempsey S, et al., 'The role of the Clinical Supervisor (CS) in inter professional pre-registration student clinical education the unmet educational need in university wide health studies clinical practice stage two,', ICTN/HETI, 50 (2015) [R1]
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Thesis / Dissertation (1 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
---|---|---|---|
2007 | Dawson AC, Evaluation of Novel Molecular Markers from the Wnt Pathway: a stepwise regression model for pancreatic cancer survival., University of New South Wales (2007) |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 12 |
---|---|
Total funding | $1,534,649 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20231 grants / $10,000
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Skills Training Faculty Learning and Development Grant$10,000
Funding body: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Funding body | Royal Australasian College of Surgeons |
---|---|
Project Team | Associate Professor Amanda Dawson |
Scheme | Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Scholarship and Grants Program, Learning and Development Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | International - Competitive |
Category | 3IFA |
UON | N |
20221 grants / $521,470
Optimising care following major surgery to prevent clots: How much intervention is really needed and at what cost?$521,470
Funding body: NSW Ministry of Health
Funding body | NSW Ministry of Health |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Steve Smith, Professor John Attia, Ms Penny Reeves, Professor Jonathan Gani, Dr Jon Gani, Ms Natalie Lott, Associate Professor Amanda Dawson, Jeanene Douglas, Bruce Hodge, Monique Magnusson, Miss Rebecca Scott, Phillip Kennedy, Dr Nicole Organ, David Connah, Doctor Christopher Oldmeadow, Jeanene Douglas, Doctor Bruce Hodge, Doctor Phillip Kennedy, Monique Magnusson, Doctor Rebecca Scott |
Scheme | Translational Research Grants Scheme (TRGS) |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2024 |
GNo | G2101199 |
Type Of Funding | C2300 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Own Purpose |
Category | 2300 |
UON | Y |
20193 grants / $796,952
Sunrrise Australia - A randomised clinical trial of Single Use Negative pRessure dressing for Reduction In Surgical site infection following Emergency laparotomy$785,350
Funding body: Department of Health and Aged Care
Funding body | Department of Health and Aged Care |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Peter Pockney, David Watson, Prof Toby Richards, Vijayaragavan Muralidharan, Tarik Sammour, Associate Professor Tarik Sammour, Hossein Haji Ali Afzali, Dr Bree Stephensen, Associate Professor Amanda Dawson, Dr Thomas Arthur |
Scheme | MRFF - International Clinical Trial Collaborations |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2024 |
GNo | G1900263 |
Type Of Funding | C1300 - Aust Competitive - Medical Research Future Fund |
Category | 1300 |
UON | Y |
2018 Skills Training Faculty Scholarship $10,000
Successful applicant for the 2018 Skills Training Faculty Scholarship.
Awarded for participation at the 8th International Clinical Skills Conference in Prato, Italy. The application was evaluated for the provision of direct benefit for the delivery and evaluation of RACS skills courses.
Funding body: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)
Funding body | Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) |
---|---|
Scheme | Skills Training Faculty Scholarship |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | International - Competitive |
Category | 3IFA |
UON | N |
2019 SMPH Research Block Grant Funding Allocation$1,602
Funding body: The University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine
Funding body | The University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine |
---|---|
Project Team | Amanda Dawson, Martin Veysey, Emma Beckett, Suzanne Niblett, Jonathon Sturm |
Scheme | Research Block Grant Funding |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2019 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20184 grants / $55,773
CAPEX Grant 2019 for student common room Wyong$45,000
Funding body: The University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine
Funding body | The University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine |
---|---|
Project Team | Amanda Dawson Carol Hood Julie Gemmell Alistair Campbell MaryAnn Ryall |
Scheme | TEACHING & LEARNING CAPITAL EQUIPMENT (CAPEX) 2018 |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
ADVICE (AnimateD Video Informed Consent and Education Project)$7,000
Funding body: Faculty of Health and Medicine Research and Teaching Pilot Grant
Funding body | Faculty of Health and Medicine Research and Teaching Pilot Grant |
---|---|
Project Team | Dr Amanda Dawson, Dr Brayden March |
Scheme | Faculty of Health and Medicine Research and Teaching Pilot Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2018 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
FHEAM CONFERENCE GRANT$2,000
FHEAM Conference Travel Grant
AMEE Conference, 25-29 August 2018
Association for Medical Education in Europe
Presentation - workshop - " How to run a successful clinical school".
co- presenters
Martin Veysey, Vijay Jayagopal, David Hepburn, Jo Brown
Funding body: Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Conference Travel Grant
Funding body | Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Conference Travel Grant |
---|---|
Project Team | Amanda Dawson |
Scheme | Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Conference Travel Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2018 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
SMPH Research Block Grant$1,773
Funding body: School of Medicine & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Medicine, University of Newcastle | Australia
Funding body | School of Medicine & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Medicine, University of Newcastle | Australia |
---|---|
Project Team | Amanda Dawson, Martin Veysey, Jonathan Sturm, Suzanne Niblett, Emma Beckett |
Scheme | Research Infrastructure Block Grants |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2018 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20171 grants / $75,000
Australian Government’s Specialist Training Program Grant for CLEAR curriculum$75,000
Australian Government’s Specialist Training Program, to go ahead with a complete review of the CLEAR curriculum. The aim of this project is to develop a blended learning course (online and classroom). The caveat however, is that the funding must be spent by December 2017 (!).
As the CLEAR program relies heavily on a small number of experienced long-standing faculty, and we’re dealing with such a short timeframe, we are reaching out to the broad faculty group to invite involvement in this exciting project.
Project aim
To develop a blended learning model of delivery for the RACS CLEAR course. This will be achieved by developing an eLearning module to be mandated for CLEAR course participants prior to course attendance and review the face to face course curriculum.
Way forward
To achieve the project aims, the following is proposed:
- Conduct three workshops to commence content review and eLearning development
- Identify whether filming/scripting is required to ensure that the content is interactive
- Engage an educator to be involved from the beginning to ensure a sound educational approach and identify areas for increasing interactive components
Funding body: Australian Government’s Specialist Training Program
Funding body | Australian Government’s Specialist Training Program |
---|---|
Project Team | Amanda Dawson Ellen Webber Mary Self |
Scheme | Australian Government’s Specialist Training Program |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | C1500 - Aust Competitive - Commonwealth Other |
Category | 1500 |
UON | N |
20151 grants / $20,454
The role of the Clinical Supervisor (CS) in interprofessional pre-registration student clinical education – the unmet educational need in university wide health studies clinical practice – stage t$20,454
Funding body: Mid North Coast Local Health District
Funding body | Mid North Coast Local Health District |
---|---|
Project Team | Professor Tony O'Brien, Doctor Karen McNeil, Aprof SHANE Dempsey, Mrs Michelle Giles, Associate Professor Amanda Dawson, Professor Martin Veysey, Ms Julie-Anne Olaisen, Ms Joy Taylor, Professor Sally Chan |
Scheme | Hunter and Coast ICTN Research and Quality Improvement Small Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2015 |
Funding Finish | 2015 |
GNo | G1500756 |
Type Of Funding | Other Public Sector - Commonwealth |
Category | 2OPC |
UON | Y |
20031 grants / $55,000
Raelene Boyle Scholarship$55,000
Raelene Boyle Scholarship 2003
Sponsored by Kennard's Hire
$45,000 stipend and $10,000 departmental maintenance
Project titlle: "Evaluation of members of the WNT pathway shown
by transcript profiling to be over-expressed in the development
and progression of pancreatic cancer"
Supervisor : Dr Sue Henshall, Professor RL Sutherland,
Garvan Institiute of Medical Research
Funding body: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)
Funding body | Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) |
---|---|
Project Team | Amanda Dawson, Sue Henshall, Rob Sutherland |
Scheme | Raelene Boyle Scholarship |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2003 |
Funding Finish | 2003 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Aust Competitive - Non Commonwealth |
Category | 1NS |
UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | Masters | Efficacy and Safety of Steroid-Impregnated Bioabsorbable Synthetic Polyurethane Foam (Nasopore) Versus Steroid-Impregnated Self-Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid (PureRegen) Sinus Dressing in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS): A Randomised Controlled Trial | M Philosophy (Medicine), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
Research Projects
Global Surg3 Quality and outcomes in global cancer surgery: a prospective, international cohort study GlobalSurg Collaborative NIHR Unit on Global Surgery enquiry@globalsurg.org 2018 -
Background: Of the 15.2 million individuals diagnosed with cancer in 2015, over 80% will need surgery (1). In tumours amenable to surgical resection, surgery often offers the best chance of cure, particularly in early-stage disease. It has been estimated that 45 million surgical procedures are needed each year worldwide, yet, fewer than 25% of patients with cancer have access to safe, affordable, and timely surgery. While death rates from cancer are decreasing in high-income countries, the opposite has been demonstrated in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (2). Up to 1.5% of the gross domestic product is lost because of cancer in some LMIC regions (3).
General surgeons manage patients with the most common cancers on a day-to-day basis. Breast cancer (global incidence ranked 1st, global mortality ranked 5th), gastric cancer (incidence ranked 5th, mortality ranked 3rd), and colorectal cancer (incidence ranked 3rd, mortality ranked 2nd), represent a significant burden of disease across income settings (1). Yet, most studies that examine the global distribution and outcomes of solid cancers use simulated methods due to the absence of robust data, including country-specific epidemiological data, stage distribution, and treatment approaches (1).
Aim: The aim is to determine the variation in quality of cancer surgery worldwide. Quality will be determined using measures covering infrastructure, care processes, and outcomes. We will concentrate on the most common surgically-treated cancers worldwide: breast, gastric and colorectal cancer. The primary aim focusses on 30-day mortality and complication rates after cancer surgery. The secondary aim is to characterise infrastructure and care processes in the treatment of these cancers worldwide.
Primary outcome measure: 30-day mortality and complication rates after cancer surgery.
Primary comparison: Between country groups defined by human development index.
References
1. Sullivan R, Alatise OI, Anderson BO, Audisio R, Autier P, Aggarwal A, et al. Global cancer surgery: delivering safe, affordable, and timely cancer surgery. Lancet Oncol. 2015;16(11):1193–1224.
2. Global Burden of Disease Cancer Collaboration, Fitzmaurice C, Allen C, Barber RM, Barregard L, Bhutta ZA, et al. Global, Regional, and National Cancer Incidence, Mortality, Years of Life Lost, Years Lived With Disability, and Disability-Adjusted Life-years for 32 Cancer Groups, 1990 to 2015: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study. JAMA Oncol. 2017 Apr 1;3(4):524.
3. Alkire BC, Raykar NP, Shrime MG, Weiser TG, Bickler SW, Rose JA, et al. Global access to surgical care: a modelling study. Lancet Glob Health. 2015 Jun 1;3(6):e316–23.
Publications
Knight SR, Shaw CA, Pius R, Drake TM, Norman L, Ademuyiwa AO, et al., 'Global variation in postoperative mortality and complications after cancer surgery: a multicentre, prospective cohort study in 82 countries', LANCET, 397 387-397 (2021) [C1]
Knight SR, Shaw CA, Pius R, Drake TM, Norman L, Ademuyiwa AO, et al., 'Effects of hospital facilities on patient outcomes after cancer surgery: an international, prospective, observational study', The Lancet Global Health, 10 e1003-e1011 (2022) [C1]
Collaborators
Name | Organisation |
---|---|
Miss Xiao-Ming Woon-Shoo-Tong | |
Doctor Log Tung Lai |
Green Surgery Toolkit International Delphi Consensus 2022 -
Delphi consensus project for fair and sustainable recovery of surgical services post COVID-19 to select specific interventions to include in a green surgery toolkit
RECON Respiratory COmplications after abdomiNal surgery 2019 -
International collaborative to explore the incidence of post operative pulmonary complications which are a common complication of major abdominal surgery and associated with increased morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay. Secondary aim to evaluate adherence to post-operative measures to reduce risk of post operative pulmonary complications and to establish risk factors for the development of post operative pulmonary complications
Publications
McLean KA, Kamarajah SK, Chaudhry D, Gujjuri RR, Raubenheimer K, Trout I, et al., 'Death following pulmonary complications of surgery before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic', BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY, 108 1448-1464 (2021) [C1]
IMAGINE: Ileus Management International - An international, observational study of postoperative ileus and provision of management after colorectal surgery 2018 -
Background: Post-operative ileus (POI) is common after colorectal surgery, with an estimated incidence of 12% (6). It is characterised by a delayed return of bowel function and is associated with increased postoperative complications. Whilst once regarded as an obligatory component of postoperative recovery, the resulting delays in hospital discharge are burdensome for patients and the subsequent costs are substantial for healthcare systems ($1.47 billion in the United States [£1.15; €1.24; AUD 1.86)] (7). Enhanced recovery protocols and targeted interventions (such as chewing gum and epidural analgesia) have been tested in efforts to reduce POI but the evidence for many of these remains contentious (8,9). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may improve the return of bowel function through their anti-inflammatory and opioid sparing properties (10,11), however concerns over their safety (such as the risk of acute kidney injury and anastomotic leak) persist. Recent evidence from large prospective cohort studies have introduced renewed equipoise in the use of NSAIDs after elective colorectal surgery and they remain recommended for use by enhanced recovery guidelines (3, 12, 13).
Aims: The IMAGINE study will aim to produce a profile of postoperative ileus and its management across an international cohort of patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Additionally, it will assess the safety and impact of NSAIDs on the return of bowel function when used as postoperative analgesia. Throughout this study, postoperative ileus will be assessed according to the time taken for return of bowel function after surgery (measured in whole days).
Research Design:
This is an observational study. The date will be collected by “Mini-teams” of collaborators (medical students and trainees/residents) at each hospital. They will prospectively collect data on consecutive patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery over a 14-day period.
Publications
'Timing of nasogastric tube insertion and the risk of postoperative pneumonia: an international, prospective cohort study', COLORECTAL DISEASE, 22 2288-2297 (2020) [C1]
Anonymous, Clerc D, Blanco-Colino R, Otto A, Nepogodiev D, Pagano G, Schaeff V, 'Safety and efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce ileus after colorectal surgery', BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY, 107 E161-E169 (2020) [C1]
Chapman S, Dawson A, 'Safety of hospital discharge before return of bowel function after elective colorectal surgery.', BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY, 107 552-559 (2020)
Ahmed WUR, Bhatia S, McLean KA, Khaw R, Baker D, Kamarajah SK, et al., 'Validation of the OAKS prognostic model for acute kidney injury after gastrointestinal surgery', BJS OPEN, 6 (2022) [C1]
Collaborators
Name | Organisation |
---|---|
Doctor Andrew Drane | |
Doctor Kelvin Hoi Kit Kwok | |
Doctor Ashe Debiasio |
Australian and New Zealand Emergency Laparotomy Audit (ANZELA) 2018 -
The aims of the project are to review current practice around management of emergency laparotomy cases with a view to making changes that will lead to improvements in delivery of care to this group of patients. A prospective audit will include collection of patient data including demographics, admission details, investigations performed and surgical decision making as well as postoperative outcomes. It will also incorporate calculation of both pre and postoperative PPOSSUM scores to assess risk prediction. The audit would look to include all patients over the age of 18 requiring an emergency laparotomy.
Beginning Education at Central Coast Hospitals (BEACCHES) 2018 -
A 2 day intensive program where students learn about critical medical and evacuation decisions and medical responses relevant to coastal and remote locations. It provides opportunities for students to connect with their peers, support team, supervisors and the Central Coast locality.
Grants
FHEAM CONFERENCE GRANT
Funding body: Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Conference Travel Grant
Funding body | Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Conference Travel Grant |
---|---|
Description | FHEAM Conference Travel Grant AMEE Conference, 25-29 August 2018 Association for Medical Education in Europe Presentation - workshop - " How to run a successful clinical school". co- presenters Martin Veysey, Vijay Jayagopal, David Hepburn, Jo Brown |
Scheme | Faculty of Health and Medicine Research Conference Travel Grant |
Publications
Pahalawatta U, Dawson A, 'An Introduction to Coastal Wilderness Medicine: BEACCHEs', Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, 34 s142-s143 (2019)
Short B, Lambeth L, David M, Ryall M, Hood C, Pahalawatta U, Dawson A, 'An immersive orientation program to improve medical student integration and wellbeing', The Clinical Teacher, 16 323-328 (2019) [C1]
Collaborators
Name | Organisation |
---|---|
Doctor Mary-Ann Elizabeth Ryall | University of Newcastle |
Doctor Michael Costan David | Priority Research Centre (PRC) for Healthy Lungs | The University of Newcastle |
Mrs Louise Lambeth | Priority Research Centre (PRC) for Healthy Lungs | The University of Newcastle |
Doctor Michael Costan David | University of Newcastle |
Mrs Louise Lambeth | University of Newcastle |
Ms Carol Hood | University of Newcastle |
Doctor Brooke Louise Short | University of Newcastle |
Surgical Trainee Initiated Teaching Central Coast Hospitals (STITCCH) 2015 -
Grants
2018 Skills Training Faculty Scholarship
Funding body: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)
Funding body | Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) |
---|---|
Description | Successful applicant for the 2018 Skills Training Faculty Scholarship. Awarded for participation at the 8th International Clinical Skills Conference in Prato, Italy. The application was evaluated for the provision of direct benefit for the delivery and evaluation of RACS skills courses. |
Scheme | Skills Training Faculty Scholarship |
Publications
Arnold R, Dawson A, 'Encouraging sustainable junior doctor surgical teaching of medical students.', ANZ Journal of Surgery (2016)
Dawson AC, Arnold R, Reardon B, Webb J, Nicholas N, 'Engaging Junior Doctors in Teaching through open-source curriculum packs', Adelaide, South Australia (2017)
Reardon B, Arnold R, Nicholas N, Webb J, Dawson AC, 'Open-source Curriculum in Promoting Teaching by Junior Doctors', Brisbane (2017)
Dawson AC, Arnold R, Reardon B, Nicholas N, Webb J, 'Promoting Surgical Teaching by Junior Doctors by the Creation and Dissemination of Open-Source Curriculum Packs', ANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, 87 117-117 (2017)
Dawson AC, Pahalawatta U, 'A novel method for improving Procedural Skills among Medical Students and improving procedural skill teaching capacity of JMOs.', Melbourne (2018)
Dawson AC, 'Empowering and Managing Junior Doctor led Pre-vocational Teaching and Research Progams at a Regional Centre - How to set up Trainee Led Programs', 23rd Australia and New Zealand Prevocational Medical Education Forum 2018, Melbourne (2018)
Dawson A, Pahalawatta U, Turnbull S, newlands J, Buckland R, Willcocks J, Short B, 'Creating an Effective Hospital Culture: Collaboration between Education, Workforce and JMOs. Workshop', Canberra (2019)
Dawson A, Hewett N, Pahalawatta U, 'Development of a FOAM website dedicated to near peer education and teaching', Canberra (2019)
Dawson A, Pahalawatta U, Freeman S, Kerrison-Watkin G, Parkinson A, 'Development of a comprehensive resource package for Procecural Skills Teaching in Undergraduate Medical Students', Gosford (2019)
Dawson A, Pahalawatta U, Rattan R, Teh S, Ong D, 'Development of a near peer radiology education program for undergraduate medical students', Auckland (2019)
Dawson A, Pahalawatta U, 'Development of a single education session for development of JMO teaching skills', Canberra (2019)
Dawson A, Pahalawatta U, Kerrison-Watkin G, Maloney J, Parkinson A, Freeman S, 'Creating video skills resources for procedural skills teaching', Canberra (2019)
Dawson A, Pahalawatta U, Short B, Lambeth L, David M, Ryall M, Hood C, 'Facilitating a successful transition from academic to clinical education for medical Students', Vienna Austria (2019)
Dawson A, Pahalawatta U, Hewett N, Ryall M, 'Near Peer Teaching: What s actually Around? A Literature Review Accepted poster', Melbourne (2020)
Dawson A, Pahalawatta U, Freeman S, Kerrison-Watkin G, Parkinson A, 'Teaching Procedural Skills: Why isn t there ever enough time? Accepted Poster', Melbourne (2020)
Collaborators
Name | Organisation |
---|---|
Mr Nick John Hewett | University of Newcastle |
Doctor Ashley Bree Van Leeuwestyn | University of Newcastle |
Doctor Richard Arnold |
CovidSurg Week 2020 -
Publications
Dawson A, 'Death following pulmonary complications of surgery before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic', British Journal of Surgery, (2021)
COVID Surg Collaborative, Dawson A, 'Effects of preoperative isolation on postoperative pulmonary complications after elective surgery', Anaesthesia, 76 1454-1464 (2021) [C1]
Nepogodiev D, Simoes JFF, Li E, Picciochi M, Glasbey JC, Baiocchi G, Blanco-Colino R, 'Timing of surgery following SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international prospective cohort study', ANAESTHESIA, 76 748-758 (2021) [C1]
Collaborators
Name | Organisation |
---|---|
Doctor Benjamin Buckland |
ICARUS 2021 -
International collaboration for standardizing the assessment of intraoperative adverse events to create a positive culture of reporting errors in surgery and anaesthesiology
Collaborators
Name | Organisation |
---|---|
Giovanni Cacciamani | University of Southern California |
CovidSurg Cancer 2020 -
A cohort study assessing the safety of surgery for all types of cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the pandemic in cancer delay and treatment pathways.
Publications
Glasbey JC, Ademuyiwa A, Adisa A, AlAmeer E, Arnaud AP, Ayasra F, Azevedo J, 'Effect of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on planned cancer surgery for 15 tumour types in 61 countries: an international, prospective, cohort study', LANCET ONCOLOGY, 22 1507-1517 (2021) [C1]
CHOLECOVID 2020 -
An international appraisal of the management of acute cholecystitis during the covid-19 pandemic
COVIDsurg 3 2021 - 2022
COVIDsurg3 was an international prospective cohort study on the outcomes of patients with peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection during the vaccination and Omicron era. It aimed to determine the 30 day mortality in patients with peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection and to inform future risk stratification, decision making and patient consent.
Patient-level Component.
Objective: Assess the outcomes of patients with peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 and evaluate the implementation of SARS-CoV-2 adaptations.
Inclusion criteria: Surgery performed by a surgeon in an operating theatre AND a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR swab or rapid antigen test within 7 days before and 30 days after surgery.
All eligible patients across all specialties within 13 December 2021 and 28 February 2022.
Hospital-level Component
Objective: Determine the frequency of peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection and same day elective cancellations.
Inclusion criteria: Any hospital with data collection mapped to one or more pre-defined body regions specified in the protocol.
All elective and emergency surgical activity relating to the selected body regions during a 14 day block.
Participating Central Coast Hospitals: Gosford Hospital, Wyong Hospital, Gosford Private Hospital
Collaborators
Name | Organisation |
---|---|
Gabrielle Francis | CCLHD |
Miss Charlotte Elizabeth Cornwell | University of Newcastle |
Doctor Penelope Ann Margaret Fotheringham | University of Newcastle |
Doctor Daniel Kai Hin Wong | University of Newcastle |
Doctor Sharon Laura | |
Doctor Elizabeth Lun | |
Doctor Indu Gunawardena |
OPERAS - Opiod Prescriptions and Usage after Surgery 2021 -
Opiod prescription patterns and usage across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and International sites: a prospective, multi-centre cohort study.
Objectives: To compare the type, quantity and duration of postoperative post discharge opiod prescriptions for postoperative analgesia to what is consumed by patients at 7 days post discharge. To describe the variations in opiod prescription and consumption after discharge from surgery. To identify the risk factors for opiod over prescribing after common surgical procedures. To build colloborative research capacity within medical students and junior doctors.
Inclusion: adult patients discharged after undergoing select general, orthopaedic, gynaecological and urolgogical surgeries.
Outcomes: rate of opiod prescriptions, 7-day opiod consumption by phone follow-up. Patient reported outcomes (QoL, pain, analgesic effect). Need for further healthcare follow-up and repeat prescriptions.
Volunteer Taster Program 2022 -
Collaborators
Name | Organisation |
---|---|
Professor Brett Gerard Mitchell | University of Newcastle |
COVIDsurg cohort study 2020 -
Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who need surgery are a challenging group. Capturing real-world data and sharing international experience about the management of surgical patients during the pandemic will inform clinical decision making. Covidsurg cohort study is an international multi-centric cohort study aiming to assess the outcomes of surgery in patients with SARS Co-V2 infection.
Publications
Khatri C, Ward AE, Nepogodiev D, Ahmed I, Chaudhry D, Dhaif F, et al., 'Outcomes after perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with proximal femoral fractures: an international cohort study', BMJ OPEN, 11 (2021) [C1]
Akowuah E, Benson RA, Caruana EJ, Chetty G, Edwards J, Forlani S, et al., 'Early outcomes and complications following cardiac surgery in patients testing positive for coronavirus disease 2019: An international cohort study', JOURNAL OF THORACIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY, 162 E355-E372 (2021)
Single-use negative pressure dressing versus the surgeon's preference of dressing to reduce the incidence of surgical site infections following emergency laparotomy: the SUNRRISE trial 2019 -
An international pragmatic randomised controlled trial to compare single use negative pressure dressing versus the surgeon's preference to reduce the incidence of surgical site infection.
Grants
Sunrrise Australia - A randomised clinical trial of Single Use Negative pRessure dressing for Reduction In Surgical site infection following Emergency laparotomy
Funding body: Department of Health and Aged Care
Funding body | Department of Health and Aged Care |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Peter Pockney, David Watson, Prof Toby Richards, Vijayaragavan Muralidharan, Tarik Sammour, Associate Professor Tarik Sammour, Hossein Haji Ali Afzali, Dr Bree Stephensen, Associate Professor Amanda Dawson, Dr Thomas Arthur |
Scheme | MRFF - International Clinical Trial Collaborations |
Publications
Wilkin R, Coe P, Duarte R, Stott M, Pockney P, Egoroff N, et al., 'An international pragmatic randomized controlled trial to compare a single-use negative-pressure dressing versus the surgeon's preference of dressing to reduce the incidence of surgical site infection following emergency laparotomy: the SUNRRISE trial protocol', COLORECTAL DISEASE, 23 989-1000 (2021)
Collaborators
Name | Organisation |
---|---|
Doctor Sean Park | University of Newcastle |
GECKO - Global Evaluation of Cholecystectomy Knowledge and Outcomes 2023 -
Associate Professor Dawson is the Australian National Lead for GECKO and an invited member of the International Advisory Board at the University of Birmingham, NIHR Global Surgery Unit responsible for the dissemination and protocol development.
There are 134 countries participating in this project. Australia has 73 sites representing major teaching hospitals and regional sites across all states and territories. Australia is a top 10 recruiter for number of hospitals and number of recruited patients.
Cholecystectomy is amongst the most common surgical operations performed worldwide. Surgical candidates are treated for biliary pathologies, such as biliary cholic, cholecystitis and gallstone pancreatisis. In patients who are deemed fit for surgery, cholecystectomy can be perfomed under three main settings: (1) emergency setting at index admission; (2) elective setting with no previous admisisons; or (3) delayed setting with one or more previous gallbladder-related admissions [3].
The advent of laparoscopy fundementally evolved biliary surgery and quickly became the “gold standard” approach. Recent multicentre collaborative studies have elucidated that the burden imposed on healthcare systems by laparoscopic cholecystectomies is primarily due to patient readmissions and complications arising from the operation, rather than perioperative mortality burden that was more commonly seen in open surgery. As a result, national and international societies have shifted their focus towards creating a culture of safety around this procedure, with the overarching goal of improving patient satisfaction and reducing hospital costs. Safe cholecystectomy is “safe for both the patient (no bile duct/hollow viscus/vascular injury) and for the operating surgeon (no or minimal scope for litigation)”. The universal establishment of safe cholecystectomy is a complex process that relies not only on the operation itself, but also on various other factors such as promoting adequate training, improving hospital infrastructure, and enhancing peri-operative patient care.
There remains a paucity of evidence around the variations of safe provision of laparoscopic surgery for gallbladder disease interntionally, including low- and middle-income countries. To bridge this knowledge gap, the Global Evaluation of Cholecystectomy Knowledge and Outcomes (GECKO) study (GlobalSurg 4) will be an international collaborative effort, delivered by the GlobalSurg network, that will allow contemporaneous data collection on the quality of cholecystectomies using measures covering infrastructure, care processes and outcomes. It will be disseminated via contacts from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Global Surgery unit, leading emergency general surgeons and specialist organisations
Collaborators
Name | Organisation |
---|---|
Doctor Li Luckmini Pahalawatta | University of Newcastle |
Mr Yannick De Silva | |
Miss Gemma Qian |
HIPPO - Hernias Pathway and Planetary Outcomes for Inguinal Hernia Surgery 2022 -
Associate Professor Dawson is the Australian National Lead for HIPPO and an invited member of the University of Birmingham, NIHR Global Surgery Unit responsible for the dissemination and protocol development.
There are 134 countries participating in this project. Australia has 73 sites representing major teaching hospitals and regional sites across all states and territories. Australia is a top 10 recruiter for number of hospitals and number of recruited patients.
HiPPO is an international, multi-centre, prospective observational cohort study investigating the management of patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair. The aims are to characterise the global backlog for elective surgery, understand the technique, training and operative variation in hernia repair, and finally to explore environmentally sustainable practices in operating theatres. The study is being delivered by the NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery, and will be facilitated in Australia by STORCC. Through facilitating the HiPPO Study in Australiia we aim to build collaborative research capacity amongst medical students and junior doctors.Edit
Research Collaborations
The map is a representation of a researchers co-authorship with collaborators across the globe. The map displays the number of publications against a country, where there is at least one co-author based in that country. Data is sourced from the University of Newcastle research publication management system (NURO) and may not fully represent the authors complete body of work.
Country | Count of Publications | |
---|---|---|
Australia | 24 | |
United Kingdom | 24 | |
United States | 11 | |
Canada | 10 | |
Italy | 10 | |
More... |
News
News • 28 Feb 2022
Inaugural NSW Women in Surgery Leadership award announced
The University of Newcastle’s Associate Professor Amanda Dawson is the first recipient of the prestigious Royal Australasian College of Surgeons NSW Women in Surgery Leadership award.
News • 14 Aug 2018
Central Coast Health staff helping to grow next generation of doctors
The University of Newcastle has celebrated its partnership with the Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) medical staff, acknowledging the important contribution they make in supporting the country’s next generation of doctors.
News • 13 Feb 2018
Future doctors hit BEACCH for emergency training
The Central Coast’s future doctors will swap their scrubs for swimmers when they hit the beach this week for intensive emergency training.
Associate Professor Amanda Dawson
Position
Professor
School of Medicine and Public Health
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Contact Details
amanda.dawson@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 4320 5572 |
Fax | (02) 4320 3508 |
Links |
Research and Innovation Cluster Research and Innovation Cluster |
Office
Room | Teaching and Research Unit Gosford Hospital |
---|---|
Location | Gosford Cnr Henry Parry Drive and Margin Street Gosford, NSW 2250 Australia |