Dr Rebecca McLoughlin
Postdoctoral Researcher
School of Nursing and Midwifery
- Email:bec.mcloughlin@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 40420011
Career Summary
Biography
Dr. Rebecca McLoughlin is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and a Postdoctoral Researcher with the School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle. Rebecca has 8 years of doctoral and postdoctoral experience in undertaking clinical research studies. Her recent work focuses on the development of innovative approaches for the management of obstructive airway diseases, such as severe asthma.
Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Hons 1, University Medal) from the University of Newcastle, and in 2019 was awarded a PhD (Nutritional Biochemistry) at the University of Newcastle for her work examining the impact of nutritional on inflammation, and ultimately, the effect this has on the pathogenesis of asthma.
A primary research goal of Dr. McLoughlin's is to conduct high quality research that is directly translatable into clinical practice, to improve the management of people with obstructive airway diseases.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Biochemistry, University of Newcastle
- Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (HonsClass1) Uni Medal, University of Newcastle
Keywords
- asthma
- nutrition
- obstructive airway disease
- respiratory
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
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321001 | Clinical nutrition | 40 |
320103 | Respiratory diseases | 60 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
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Postdoctoral Researcher | University of Newcastle School of Nursing and Midwifery Australia |
Professional appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
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7/3/2019 - 16/10/2020 | Postdoctoral Clinical Researcher | The University of Newcastle - School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy Faculty of Health Australia |
Awards
Award
Year | Award |
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2017 |
Best Oral Presentation of the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia in conjunction with the APCCN Nutrition Society Australia |
2017 |
Travel Grant for the 10th Asia Pacific Conference on Clinical Nutrition in Adelaide Nutrition Society Australia |
2016 |
Travel Grant for the Nutrition Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting in Melbourne Nutrition Society Australia |
2015 |
Travel Grant for the Joint NSA and New Zealand Annual Conference in Wellington Nutrition Society Australia |
2014 |
University of Newcastle, Faculty of Health and Medicine's (FHEAM) Scholar award College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle |
2013 |
University of Newcastle, Faculty of Health and Medicine's (FHEAM) Scholar award College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle |
Distinction
Year | Award |
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2015 |
University Medal School of Health Science, Faculty of Health & Medicine, The University of Newcastle |
Scholarship
Year | Award |
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2015 |
Australian Postgraduate Award Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle |
2014 |
School of Health Sciences Vacation Scholarship School of Health Science, Faculty of Health & Medicine, The University of Newcastle |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Chapter (2 outputs)
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2022 |
McLoughlin RF, Urroz PD, McDonald VM, Carvalho CRF, McDonald VM, 'Exercise effects in adults with asthma', Exercise to Prevent and Manage Chronic Disease Across the Lifespan 117-130 (2022) Asthma is a common chronic disease, affecting over 339 million people worldwide. People with asthma present with episodes of symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughi... [more] Asthma is a common chronic disease, affecting over 339 million people worldwide. People with asthma present with episodes of symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness, which can be triggered by a variety of factors. However not all asthma is the same. The severity, frequency, duration, and symptoms vary, making asthma a complex heterogeneous disease, with many triggers of symptoms. Exercise is one such trigger that induces asthma symptoms, however, despite this exercise remains important for people with asthma and can usually be performed safely in this population. Indeed, people with asthma are recommended to engage in regular physical activity. Despite this, low levels of physical activity are still being reported in those living with asthma, particularly in those with severe disease. This unnecessary avoidance of physical activity and exercise results in negative health consequences including poorer respiratory functioning, increased disease severity, and healthcare use, decreased physical and mental health, and decreased quality of life. This chapter discusses the available evidence in relation to the benefits of regular exercise training in asthma. Several physiological and psychological benefits are reported including improved asthma control, fewer asthma symptoms and exacerbations, reduced medication and healthcare use including reduced emergency department visits, improved health status, and decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression. Although there is a paucity of evidence regarding the mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of exercise training in asthma, a number of mechanisms have been proposed which will also be explored. Finally, based on the currently available evidence clinical practice recommendations for exercise prescribers are provided using the FITT (frequency, intensity, time, and type) principles for exercise prescription, as well important safety considerations that should be taken into account. However, more research is required to determine optimal exercise prescription principles within the asthma population.
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2019 |
McLoughlin R, Berthon B, Williams E, Wood L, 'Vitamin E and air pollution', Vitamin E in Human Health, Springer, Switzerland 385-403 (2019)
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Journal article (13 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
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2022 |
Sarwar MR, McDonald VM, Abramson MJ, McLoughlin RF, Geethadevi GM, George J, 'Effectiveness of Interventions Targeting Treatable Traits for the Management of Obstructive Airway Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis', Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, 10 2333-2345.e21 (2022) [C1] Background: The management of obstructive airway diseases (OADs) is complex. The treatable traits (TTs) approach may be an effective strategy for managing OADs. Objective: To dete... [more] Background: The management of obstructive airway diseases (OADs) is complex. The treatable traits (TTs) approach may be an effective strategy for managing OADs. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of interventions targeting TTs for managing OADs. Methods: Ovid Embase, Medline, CENTRAL, and CINAHL Plus were searched from inception to March 9, 2022. Studies of interventions targeting at least 1 TT from pulmonary, extrapulmonary, and behavioral/lifestyle domains were included. Two reviewers independently extracted relevant data and performed risk-of-bias assessments. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were carried out to explore heterogeneity and to determine the effects of outlying studies. Results: Eleven studies that used the TTs approach for OAD management were identified. Traits targeted within each study ranged from 13 to 36. Seven controlled trials were included in meta-analyses. TT interventions were effective at improving health-related quality of life (mean difference [MD] = -6.96, 95% CI: -9.92 to -4.01), hospitalizations (odds ratio [OR] = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.69), all-cause-1-year mortality (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.95), dyspnea score (MD = -0.29, 95% CI: -0.46 to -0.12), anxiety (MD = -1.61, 95% CI: -2.92 to -0.30), and depression (MD = -2.00, 95% CI: -3.53 to -0.47). Conclusion: Characterizing TTs and targeted interventions can improve outcomes in OADs, which offer a promising model of care for OADs.
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2022 |
McLoughlin RF, McDonald VM, 'The Management of Extrapulmonary Comorbidities and Treatable Traits; Obesity, Physical Inactivity, Anxiety, and Depression, in Adults With Asthma', Frontiers in Allergy, 2 1-13 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Majellano EC, Clark VL, McLoughlin RF, Gibson PG, McDonald VM, 'Using a knowledge translation framework to identify health care professionals perceived barriers and enablers for personalised severe asthma care', PLoS ONE, 17 (2022) [C1] Background Whilst multidimensional assessment enables the detection of treatable traits in severe asthma and has the potential to improve patient outcomes, healthcare disparities ... [more] Background Whilst multidimensional assessment enables the detection of treatable traits in severe asthma and has the potential to improve patient outcomes, healthcare disparities exist, and little is known about the factors influencing optimal management in severe asthma. This study aimed to explore perceived barriers, and enablers to implementing personalised care in severe asthma, from the healthcare professionals¿ perspective. Methods A descriptive, qualitative study involving a single focus group (n = 7) and semi-structured interviews (n = 33) with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals involved in severe asthma care was conducted. A hybrid thematic and content analysis was undertaken to identify themes, which were then deductively mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Results Overall, three emergent themes were identified: (1) Barriers- (2) Enablers- to optimal management; (3) Desired model of care. Across all TDF domains, 6 constructs influenced development and implementation of optimal care: (1) belief about consequences, (2) environmental context and resources, (3) belief about capabilities, (4) social/professional role and identity, (5) goals and (6) knowledge. Conclusion Implementation of personalised care in severe asthma is complex and non-linear. The use of a theory-based approach effectively demonstrated how a variety of behaviours could be targeted to optimise and promote personalised care in different clinical setting.
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2022 |
Hosseini B, Berthon BS, Jensen ME, McLoughlin RF, Wark PAB, Nichol K, et al., 'The Effects of Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Children with Asthma on the Modulation of Innate Immune Responses', Nutrients, 14 3087-3087 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Thompson D, Wood LG, Williams EJ, McLoughlin RF, Rastogi D, 'Endotyping pediatric obesity-related asthma: Contribution of anthropometrics, metabolism, nutrients, and CD4
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2022 |
McLoughlin RF, Clark VL, Urroz PD, Gibson PG, McDonald VM, 'Increasing physical activity in severe asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis', EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY JOURNAL, 60 (2022) [C1]
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2021 |
Berthon BS, McLoughlin RF, Jensen ME, Hosseini B, Williams EJ, Baines KJ, et al., 'The effects of increasing fruit and vegetable intake in children with asthma: A randomized controlled trial', CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY, 51 1144-1156 (2021) [C1]
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2021 |
Hosseini B, Berthon BS, Starkey MR, Collison A, McLoughlin RF, Williams EJ, et al., 'Children With Asthma Have Impaired Innate Immunity and Increased Numbers of Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells Compared With Healthy Controls', FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY, 12 (2021) [C1]
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2021 |
McLoughlin RF, Berthon BS, Wood LG, 'Weight loss in obese children with asthma-is it important?', PAEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY REVIEWS, 37 10-14 (2021) [C1]
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2019 |
McLoughlin R, Berthon BS, Rogers GB, Baines KJ, Leong LEX, Gibson PG, et al., 'Soluble fibre supplementation with and without a probiotic in adults with asthma: A 7-day randomised, double blind, three way cross-over trial', EBioMedicine, 46 473-485 (2019) [C1] Background: Soluble fibre modulates airway inflammation in animal models. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of soluble fibre supplementation, with and without a... [more] Background: Soluble fibre modulates airway inflammation in animal models. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of soluble fibre supplementation, with and without a probiotic, on plasma short chain fatty acids (SCFA), airway inflammation, asthma control and gut microbiome in adults with asthma. Methods: A randomised, double-blinded, placebo controlled 3-way cross-over trial in 17 subjects with stable asthma at the Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia. Subjects received 3 × 7 day oral interventions in random order; soluble fibre (inulin 12 g/day), soluble fibre + probiotic (inulin 12 g/day + multi-strain probiotic >25 billion CFU) and placebo. Plasma SCFA, sputum cell counts and inflammatory gene expression, asthma control gut microbiota, adverse events including gastrointestinal symptoms were measured. Findings: There was no difference in change in total plasma SCFA levels (µmol/L) in the placebo versus soluble fibre (¿median [95% CI] 16·3 [-16·9, 49·5], p = 0·335) or soluble fibre+probiotic (18·7 [-14·5, 51·9], p = 0·325) group. Following the soluble fibre intervention there was an improvement in the asthma control questionnaire (ACQ6) (¿median (IQR) -0·35 (-0·5, -0·13), p = 0·006), sputum %eosinophils decreased (-1.0 (-2·5, 0), p = 0·006) and sputum histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) gene expression decreased (-0.49 (-0.83, -0.27) 2-¿Ct, p =.008). Individual bacterial operational taxonomic units changed following both inulin and inulin+probiotic arms. Interpretation: Soluble fibre supplementation for 7 days in adults with asthma did not change SCFA levels. Within group analysis showed improvements in airway inflammation, asthma control and gut microbiome composition following inulin supplementation and these changes warrant further investigation, in order to evaluate the potential of soluble fibre as a non-pharmacological addition to asthma management. Fund: John Hunter Hospital Charitable Trust.
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2017 |
McLoughlin RF, Berthon BS, Jensen ME, Baines KJ, Wood LG, 'Short-chain fatty acids, prebiotics, synbiotics, and systemic inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis', American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 106 930-945 (2017) [C1] Background: Prebiotic soluble fibers are fermented by beneficial bacteria in the colon to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are proposed to have systemic anti-inflamm... [more] Background: Prebiotic soluble fibers are fermented by beneficial bacteria in the colon to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are proposed to have systemic anti-inflammatory effects. Objective: This review examines the effect of SCFAs, prebiotics, and pre- and probiotic combinations (synbiotics) on systemic inflammation. Design: Relevant English language studies from 1947 to May 2017 were identified with the use of online databases. Studies were considered eligible if they examined the effects of SCFAs, prebiotics, or synbiotics; were delivered orally, intravenously, or per rectum; were on biomarkers of systemic inflammation in humans; and performed meta-analysis where possible. Results: Sixty-eight studies were included. Fourteen of 29 prebiotic studies and 13 of 26 synbiotic studies reported a significant decrease in =1 marker of systemic inflammation. Eight studies compared prebiotic and synbiotic supplementation, 2 of which reported a decrease in inflammation with synbiotics only, with 1 reporting a greater anti-inflammatory effect with synbiotics than with prebiotics alone. Meta-analyses indicated that prebiotics reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) [standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.60; 95% CI: -0.98, -0.23], and synbiotics reduce CRP (SMD: -0.40; 95% CI: -0.73, -0.06) and tumor necrosis factor-a (SMD -0.90; 95% CI: -1.50, -0.30). Conclusions: There is significant heterogeneity of outcomes in studies examining the effect of prebiotics and synbiotics on systemic inflammation. Approximately 50% of included studies reported a decrease in =1 inflammatory biomarker. The inconsistency in reported outcomes may be due to heterogeneity in study design, supplement formulation, dosage, duration, and subject population. Nonetheless, meta-analyses provide evidence to support the systemic anti-inflammatory effects of prebiotic and synbiotic supplementation.
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2017 |
McLoughlin RF, McDonald VM, Gibson PG, Scott HA, Hensley MJ, MacDonald-Wicks L, Wood LG, 'The Impact of a Weight Loss Intervention on Diet Quality and Eating Behaviours in People with Obesity and COPD.', Nutrients, 9 1-14 (2017) [C1]
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Show 10 more journal articles |
Conference (10 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2022 |
Berthon B, Williams L, Negewo N, Thompson C, McLoughlin R, Wark P, Wood L, 'Modest improvements following oral soluble fibre RCT in adult asthma', RESPIROLOGY (2022)
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2022 |
McLoughlin R, Clark V, Urroz P, Gibson P, McDonald V, 'Increasing physical activity in severe asthma: A review and meta-analysis', RESPIROLOGY (2022)
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2022 |
Williams L, Berthon B, McLoughlin R, Nichol K, Negewo N, Thompson C, et al., 'Soluble fibre supplementation modulates inflammatory responses in non-eosinophilic asthma', RESPIROLOGY (2022)
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Show 7 more conferences |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 8 |
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Total funding | $5,496,577 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20233 grants / $5,239,395
A comprehensive digital solution to empower asthma and comorbidity self-management$2,505,051
Funding body: Department of Health and Aged Care
Funding body | Department of Health and Aged Care |
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Project Team | Conjoint Professor Peter Gibson, Professor Vanessa McDonald, Doctor Dennis Thomas, Professor Liz Holliday, Doctor Rebecca McLoughlin, Doctor Rebecca Wyse, Mr Simon Deeming, Mohanraj Karunanithi, John Fardy, Doctor John Fardy, Associate Professor Mohan Karunanithi |
Scheme | MRFF - Clinical Trials Activity - Effective Health Interventions |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2027 |
GNo | G2200780 |
Type Of Funding | C1300 - Aust Competitive - Medical Research Future Fund |
Category | 1300 |
UON | Y |
Minimising Oral Corticosteroid use in Asthma using Treatable Traits$1,855,237
Funding body: Department of Health and Aged Care
Funding body | Department of Health and Aged Care |
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Project Team | Professor Vanessa McDonald, Conjoint Professor Peter Gibson, Doctor Rebecca McLoughlin, Prof Philip Bardin, Doctor Dennis Thomas, Associate Professor John Blakey, Professor John Upham, Professor Liz Holliday, Professor Alvar Agusti, Professor Richard Beasley, Conjoint Associate Professor Anne Vertigan, Professor Ian Pavord, Penny Reeves, Professor Luke Wolfenden, AProf John Blakey, Doctor John Fardy |
Scheme | MRFF - PPHRI - Chronic Respiratory Conditions |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2024 |
GNo | G2200774 |
Type Of Funding | C1300 - Aust Competitive - Medical Research Future Fund |
Category | 1300 |
UON | Y |
Further Understanding asThma REmission : The FUTURE research program$879,107
Funding body: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Research & Development Limited
Funding body | GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Research & Development Limited |
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Project Team | Doctor Michael Fricker, Conjoint Professor Peter Gibson, Professor Vanessa McDonald, Doctor Dennis Thomas, Doctor Rebecca McLoughlin |
Scheme | Investigator Sponsored Studies |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2026 |
GNo | G2201070 |
Type Of Funding | C3400 – International For Profit |
Category | 3400 |
UON | Y |
20221 grants / $200,000
Treatable Traits shared decision-making in severe asthma: a digital decision-making toolkit$200,000
Funding body: Asthma Australia
Funding body | Asthma Australia |
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Project Team | Doctor Rebecca McLoughlin, Doctor Dennis Thomas, Doctor Vanessa Clark, Conjoint Professor Peter Gibson |
Scheme | Fellowship |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2022 |
Funding Finish | 2024 |
GNo | G2101409 |
Type Of Funding | C3200 – Aust Not-for Profit |
Category | 3200 |
UON | Y |
20213 grants / $48,182
HMRI RSP Seed Funding Grant $25,000
Funding body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
Funding body | Hunter Medical Research Institute |
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Project Team | Professor Vanessa McDonald, Conjoint Professor Peter Gibson, Doctor Rebecca McLoughlin, Doctor Vanessa Clark |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | G2001470 |
Type Of Funding | C3300 – Aust Philanthropy |
Category | 3300 |
UON | Y |
Personalised medicine for severe asthma: treatable traits$18,182
Funding body: Hunter New England Local Health District
Funding body | Hunter New England Local Health District |
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Project Team | Doctor Rebecca McLoughlin, Professor Vanessa McDonald, Conjoint Professor Peter Gibson, Doctor Vanessa Clark |
Scheme | John Hunter Hospital Charitable Trust Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | G2100272 |
Type Of Funding | C2400 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Other |
Category | 2400 |
UON | Y |
Understanding Breathlessness in Asthma$5,000
Funding body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
Funding body | Hunter Medical Research Institute |
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Project Team | Doctor Vanessa Clark, Professor Vanessa McDonald, Conjoint Professor Peter Gibson, Doctor Sarah Hiles, Conjoint Associate Professor Anne Vertigan, Doctor Rebecca McLoughlin |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | G2100080 |
Type Of Funding | C3300 – Aust Philanthropy |
Category | 3300 |
UON | Y |
20201 grants / $9,000
Investigating inflammatory pathways in children with asthma$9,000
Funding body: PRC GrowUpWell
Funding body | PRC GrowUpWell |
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Project Team | Prof. Lisa Wood, Dr. Rebecca McLoughlin |
Scheme | Seed Funding |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
News
News • 25 Jul 2022
Research builds asthma shared decision-making toolkit
University of Newcastle early career researcher and Accredited Practising Dietitian Dr Rebecca McLoughlin has been awarded an Asthma Australia fellowship to develop a shared decision-making toolkit to support the delivery of a personalised medicine strategy for people with chronic airway diseases - 'Treatable Traits’.
Dr Rebecca McLoughlin
Position
Postdoctoral Researcher
School of Nursing and Midwifery
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Contact Details
bec.mcloughlin@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 40420011 |
Office
Room | HMRI level 2 west |
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