Staff Profile
Career Summary
Biography
Dr Ben Ewald completed his undergraduate training at the University of Newcastle in 1982, the then Family Medicine program training in 1992 and a masters in epidemiology in 1996. He worked as a GP in Sydney, then for 10 years in Alice Springs. While at Congress, the Aboriginal medical service in Alice he saw for the first time a community health centre that could identify its community, and had a realistic involvement in their public health issues as well as the provision of sick care. In the Central Australian context with such a high disease burden it was glaringly obvious that access to primary care, and basing that care on effective treatments were areas that could benefit from applied epidemiology.
General practice research interests have included a study of the economics of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and the diagnostic accuracy of B Natriuretic Peptide for heart failure. He has also taken part in community wide physical activity research and from 2011 is running an RCT in physical activity promotion. He has a role in public health advocacy on issues of environments to promote physical activity, and interpreting scholarship on environmental risks to health.
Now a GP in Newcastle, he teaches in the epidemiology masters program at the Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Newcastle and co ordinates the communicable disease epidemiology and research protocol design subjects as well as teaching in the undergraduate medical course.
Current research directions include development of new analytic methods for data from accelerometers for use in physical activity research, bringing objective measurement of physical activity into clinical practice settings, and analysis of health system data to make cycling safer.
Qualifications
- PhD (Community Medicine & Clinical Epidemiology), University of Newcastle, 01/08/2007
- Bachelor of Medicine, University of Newcastle, 30/04/1983
- Master of Medical Science (Epidemiology), University of Newcastle, 25/09/1998
Research
Research keywords
- Meta analysis
- Physical Activity
- diagnostic test research
Research expertise
Diagnostic test research in the general practice setting.
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
B type natriuretic peptides
Diagnostic test meta analysis
Clinical epidemiologic methodology.
Physical activity and ageing.
Fields of Research
| Code | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 110300 | Clinical Sciences | 65 |
| 010499 | Statistics Not Elsewhere Classified | 20 |
| 110899 | Medical Microbiology Not Elsewhere Classified | 15 |
Teaching
Teaching keywords
- Environmental health
- General Practice
- Public Health
- communicable Disease
- epidemiology
Teaching expertise
Postgraduate epidemiology and research design.
Communicable disease epidemiology.
Highlighted Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Click on a category title below to expand the list of citations for that specific category.
Chapter (1 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Ewald BD, 'B-type natriuretic peptide: A new diagnostic tool for congestive heart failure', Abnormal Laboratory Results, McGraw Hill, North Ryde, NSW 142-146 (2011) [B2] |
Journal article (30 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Agho KE, Hall J, Ewald B, 'Determinants of the Knowledge of and Attitude towards Tuberculosis in Nigeria', JOURNAL OF HEALTH POPULATION AND NUTRITION, 32 520-538 (2014) [C1] Co-authors: JOHN HALL | ||
| 2014 | Ewald B, Attia J, McElduff P, 'How many steps are enough? dose-response curves for pedometer steps and multiple health markers in a community-based sample of older Australians', Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 11 509-518 (2014) [C1] Co-authors: JOHN ATTIA | ||
| 2013 | Magin P, Holliday S, Dunlop A, Ewald B, Dunbabin J, Henry J, et al., 'Discomfort sharing the general practice waiting room with mentally ill patients: a cross-sectional study', FAMILY PRACTICE, 30 190-196 (2013) [C1] DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cms058 | Author URL Co-authors: Parker magin | ||
| 2012 | Holliday SM, Magin PJ, Dunbabin JS, Ewald BD, Henry J-M, Goode SM, et al., 'Waiting room ambience and provision of opioid substitution therapy in general practice', Medical Journal of Australia, 196 391-394 (2012) [C1] Co-authors: Parker magin | ||
| 2012 | Wilson AJ, Robertson J, Ewald BD, Henry D, 'What the public learns about screening and diagnostic tests through the media', Medical Journal of Australia, 197 324-326 (2012) [C2] Co-authors: AMANDA WILSON | ||
| 2011 | Tudor-Locke C, Craig CL, Aoyagi Y, Bell RC, Croteau KA, De Bourdeaudhuij I, et al., 'How many steps/day are enough? For older adults and special populations', International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition & Physical Activity, 8 80 (2011) [C1] | ||
| 2011 | Ramsay EN, Roughead EE, Ewald BD, Pratt NL, Ryan P, 'A self-controlled case series to assess the effectiveness of beta blockers for heart failure in reducing hospitalisations in the elderly', BMC Medical Research Methodology, 11 1-7 (2011) [C1] | ||
| 2010 | McEvoy MA, Smith WT, D'Este CA, Duke JM, Peel R, Schofield PW, et al., 'Cohort Profile: The Hunter Community Study', International Journal of Epidemiology, 39 1452-1463 (2010) [C1] DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyp343 Co-authors: CATHERINE DESTE, DEREK SMITH, JOHN ATTIA, JULIE BYLES, RODNEY SCOTT, WAYNE SMITH, mddah01, peter schofield | ||
| 2010 | Johnson NA, Inder KJ, Ewald BD, James EL, Bowe SJ, 'Association between participation in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation and self-reported receipt of lifestyle advice from a healthcare provider: Results of a population based cross-sectional survey', Rehabilitation Research and Practice, Article 541741 (2010) [C1] DOI: 10.1155/2010/541741 Co-authors: ERICA JAMES, KERRY INDER, NATALIE JOHNSON | ||
| 2010 | Ewald BD, McEvoy MA, Attia JR, 'Pedometer counts superior to physical activity scale for identifying health markers in older adults', British Journal of Sports Medicine, 44 756-761 (2010) [C1] Co-authors: JOHN ATTIA | ||
| 2010 | Schulzke SM, Pillow J, Ewald BD, Patole SK, 'Flow-cycled versus time-cycled synchronized ventilation for neonates', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD008246 (2010) [C1] | ||
| 2009 | Gow RM, Ewald BD, Lai L, Gardin L, Lougheed J, 'The Measurement of the QT and QTc on the neonatal and infant electrocardiogram: A comprehensive reliability assessment', Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology, 14 165-175 (2009) [C1] | ||
| 2009 | Ewald BD, Duke JM, Thakkinstian A, Attia JR, Smith WT, 'Physical activity of older Australians measured by pedometry', Australasian Journal on Ageing, 28 127-133 (2009) [C1] DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2009.00372.x Co-authors: JOHN ATTIA, WAYNE SMITH | ||
| 2009 | Ewald DP, Eisman JA, Ewald BD, Winzenberg TM, Seibel MJ, Ebeling PR, et al., 'Population rates of bone densitometry use in Australia, 2001-2005, by sex and rural versus urban location', Medical Journal of Australia, 190 126-128 (2009) [C1] | ||
| 2008 | Ewald BD, Ewald D, Thakkinstian A, Attia JR, 'Meta-analysis of B type natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro B natriuretic peptide in the diagnosis of clinical heart failure and population screening for left ventricular systolic dysfunction', Internal Medicine Journal, 38 101-113 (2008) [C1] DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2007.01454.x Co-authors: JOHN ATTIA | ||
| 2008 | Ewald BD, Durrheim DN, 'Australian Bat Lyssavirus: Examination of post-exposure treatment in NSW', NSW Public Health Bulletin, 19 104-107 (2008) [C1] DOI: 10.1071/nb07050 Co-authors: DAVID DURRHEIM | ||
| 2008 | Ewald BD, Webb CE, Durrheim DN, Russell RC, 'Is there a risk of malaria transmission in NSW?', NSW Public Health Bulletin, 19 127-131 (2008) [C1] DOI: 10.1071/nb07040 Co-authors: DAVID DURRHEIM | ||
| 2008 | Ewald BD, 'Method of cut point selection biases diagnostic research', Internal Medicine Journal, 38 615 (2008) [C3] | ||
| 2007 | Wylks CE, Ewald BD, Guest C, 'The epidemiology of pertussis in the Australian Capital Territory, 1999 to 2005: Epidemics of testing, disease or false positives?', Communicable Diseases Intelligence, 31 383-391 (2007) [C1] | ||
| 2007 | Ewald BD, 'Erratum for 'Post hoc choice of cut points introduced bias to diagnostic research'', Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 60 756 (2007) [C3] | ||
| 2006 | Ewald BD, 'Post hoc choice of cut points introduced bias to diagnostic research', Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 59 798-801 (2006) [C1] The paper describes a potential flaw in the design of diagnostic research, and should be heeded by any researcher validating a new diagnostic test. I am the sole author. | ||
| 2006 | Le TA, Sohn AH, Nguyen PT, Vo TC, Tran Nguyen TH, Ewald BD, Dibley MJ, 'Microbiology of surgical site infections and associated antimicrobial use among Vietnamese orthopedic and neurosurgical patients', Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 27 855-862 (2006) [C1] DOI: 10.1086/506400 | ||
| 2005 | Thu LTA, Dibley MJ, Ewald BD, Tien NP, Lam LD, 'Incidence of surgical site infections and accompanying risk factors in Vietnamese orthopaedic patients', Journal of Hospital Infection, 60 360-367 (2005) [C1] | ||
| 2004 | Ewald BD, Attia JR, 'Which test to detect microalbuminuria in diabetic patients?', Australian Family Physician, 33 565-568 (2004) [C1] Co-authors: JOHN ATTIA | ||
| 2004 | Attia JR, Nair BR, Sibbritt DW, Ewald BD, Paget NS, Wellard RF, et al., 'Generating pre-test probabilities: a neglected area in clinical decision making', Medical Journal of Australia, 180 449-454 (2004) [C1] Co-authors: JOHN ATTIA | ||
| 2003 | Ewald BD, 'B-type natriuretic peptide: a new diagnostic tool for congestive heart failure', Australian Prescriber, 26 64-65 (2003) [C2] | ||
| 2002 | Ewald BD, Pekarsky B, 'Cost analysis of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in initiating antihypertensive drug treatment in Australian general practice', Medical Journal of Australia, 176 580-583 (2002) [C1] | ||
| 2002 | McElduff P, Attia JR, Ewald BD, Cockburn JD, Heller R, 'Estimating the contribution of individual risk factors to disease in a person with more than one risk factor', The Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 55 588-592 (2002) [C1] Co-authors: JOHN ATTIA | ||
| Show 27 more | |||
Conference (11 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | James EL, Ewald BD, Johnson NA, Brown W, Stacey FG, Plotnikoff RC, 'Efficacy of referral for physical activity counseling: Protocol for an RCT to compare face-to-face and telephone counselling', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Sydney, Australia (2012) [E3] Co-authors: ERICA JAMES, NATALIE JOHNSON, RON PLOTNIKOFF | ||
| 2012 | Ewald BD, McElduff P, Attia JR, 'How many steps are enough? Dose response curves for objectively measured physical activity in an Australian community based sample', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Sydney, Australia (2012) [E3] Co-authors: JOHN ATTIA | ||
| 2011 | Dunbabin JS, Holliday SM, Magin PJ, Dunlop AJ, Ewald BD, Goode SM, Henry J, 'Discomfort with mental illness in general practice waiting rooms: A cross-sectional study', 2011 PHC Research Conference Abstracts, Brisbane, QLD (2011) [E3] Co-authors: Parker magin | ||
| 2010 | Holliday SM, Dunlop AJ, Magin PJ, Goode SM, Henry J, Dunbabin JS, Ewald BD, 'Patient experiences of GP waiting rooms: A cross-sectional study', GP10. Abstracts, Cairns, QLD (2010) [E3] Co-authors: Parker magin | ||
| 2010 | Holliday SM, Dunlop AJ, Magin PJ, Goode SM, Henry J, Dunbabin JS, Ewald BD, 'Does GP care of drug & alcohol patients cause distress to other patients? A cross-sectional waiting room study', 2010 Primary Health Care Research Conference: Program & Abstracts, Darwin, NT (2010) [E3] Co-authors: Parker magin | ||
| 2009 | Ewald BD, 'Interpretation of step counts in population research', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Brisbane, QLD (2009) [E3] | ||
| 2009 | Holliday SM, Dunlop AJ, Magin PJ, Ewald BD, Henry J, Goode SM, Dunbabin JS, 'The waiting room ambience in general practice (WRAP) study: Patients attitudes to aspects of their experience in GPs' waiting rooms', Drug and Alcohol Review, Darwin, NT (2009) [E3] DOI: 10.1111/j.1465-3362.2009.00123.x Co-authors: Parker magin | ||
| 2009 | Ewald BD, James EL, Johnson NA, Paras LE, 'Efficacy of exercise physiologist counselling in primary care patients: A pilot study to determine feasibility and acceptability', Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Brisbane, QLD (2009) [E3] Co-authors: ERICA JAMES, NATALIE JOHNSON | ||
| Show 8 more | |||
Grants and Funding
Summary
| Number of grants | 7 |
|---|---|
| Total funding | $1,347,992 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
2011 (2 grants)
Efficacy of exercise physiologist counselling in primary care patients: a RCT of two pragmatic approaches$896,589
Funding Body: NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council)
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor Erica James, Doctor Benjamin Ewald, Doctor Natalie Johnson, Professor Ronald Plotnikoff | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Project Grant | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $896,589 | 2011 | 2013 |
| GNo:G0190295 | ||
Physical Activity and Nutrition: The University of Newcastle's Approach Toward Better Population Health and Education$321,711
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Professor Ronald Plotnikoff, Professor Robin Callister, Professor Clare Collins, Doctor Benjamin Ewald, Professor Manohar Garg, Associate Professor Erica James, Professor David Lubans, Professor Philip Morgan | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Priority Research Centre | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $321,711 | 2011 | 2015 |
| GNo:G1100058 | ||
2009 (1 grants)
Be Active 09. Seventh national physical activity conference, Brisbane, 14-17 October 2009$1,258
Funding Body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Benjamin Ewald | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Travel Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $1,258 | 2009 | 2009 |
| GNo:G0190438 | ||
2008 (2 grants)
GPs and Vitamin D deficiency: A survey of knowledge, attitudes and practices$24,615
Funding Body: Cancer Council NSW
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor Billie Bonevski, Conjoint Professor Afaf Girgis, Doctor Benjamin Ewald, Conjoint Professor Bruce Armstrong | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Research Grant | Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $24,615 | 2008 | 2008 |
| GNo:G0189349 | ||
Pilot project to test recruitment and intervention for physical activity promotion RCT in general practice$10,097
Funding Body: University of Newcastle
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Benjamin Ewald | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Early Career Researcher Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $10,097 | 2008 | 2008 |
| GNo:G0189265 | ||
2004 (1 grants)
Accuracy of a new blood test for B Naturietic Peptide in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure in general practice$73,722
Funding Body: NHMRC (National Health & Medical Research Council)
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Benjamin Ewald | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Scholarships - Public Health Postgraduate Research | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $73,722 | 2004 | 2006 |
| GNo:G0183994 | ||
2002 (1 grants)
Accuracy of a new blood test for B Natriuretic Peptide in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure in General practice patients.$20,000
Funding Body: Hunter Medical Research Institute
| Project Team | ||
|---|---|---|
| Doctor Benjamin Ewald, Conjoint Associate Professor Julia Lowe | ||
| Scheme | Role | |
| Research Grant | Chief Investigator | |
| Total Amount | Funding Start | Funding Finish |
| $20,000 | 2002 | 2002 |
| GNo:G0181187 | ||
Research Supervision
| Number of current supervisions | 0 |
|---|
For supervisions undertaken at an institution other that the University of Newcastle, the institution name is listed below the program name.
Past Supervision
| Year | Program | Supervisor Type | Research Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | PhD (CommunityMed & ClinEpid) | Co-Supervisor | Prospective Surveillance of Surgical Site Infections at a Tertiary Hospital in Viet Nam and the Impact of a Bedside Hand Sanitizer Program |
Dr Benjamin Ewald
| Work Phone | (02) 4042 0544 |
|---|---|
| Fax | (02) |
| Ben.Ewald@newcastle.edu.au | |
| Position | Senior Lecturer Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics School of Medicine and Public Health Faculty of Health and Medicine |
| Focus Area | Public Health |
| Office | HMRI level 4, HMRI Building, Other |
| URL: | www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/ben-ewald |
Connect with me
