Dr Sharmaine McKiernan

Lecturer

School of Health Sciences (Medical Radiation Science)

Email:sharmaine.mckiernan@newcastle.edu.au
Phone:(02) 492 18861

Career Summary

Biography

My clinical history as a Radiographer and Sonographer had me working in both the private and public setting. As a Radiographer, I have advanced skills in general radiography, trauma, theatre, mobiles, screening procedures, OPG’s, mammography and computer tomography. As a Sonographer, I have developed skills in general ultrasound; encompassing such areas as abdominal, obstetrics, gynaecology, small parts, paediatrics, vascular and musculoskeletal. I have maintained my clinical skills by continuing to work in the clinical environment and maintaining strong connections with professionals in the field.

As an academic at the University of Newcastle I coordinate and lecture into the Diagnostic Radiography program. My main roles are with the first year students, professional practice and ultrasound education. In 1998 I completed my Honours with a thesis that investigated the radiation dose to the breast in mammography. In 2013 I completed my PhD with a thesis by publication that assessed and met the learning needs of Physiotherapists in the use of diagnostic ultrasound. I am also a Gemmologist, having completed a Diploma in Gemmology and I am a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Australia.

My research interests lie in health professional practice and the scholarship of teaching and learning. I have particular interest in multidisciplinary research, clinically oriented research, the development and use of new technologies in practice, improving patient care and improving the general health of the population.

Research Expertise
Research Expertise is in Diagnostic Radiography, Ultrasound and Education.

Teaching Expertise
Teaching Expertise is in Diagnostic Radiography and Ultrasound. Particular interest in first year fundamentals.

Administrative Expertise
Program management as co-convenor, course and program reviews.

Chair of the Australasian Sonographers Association Musculoskeletal Committee and Educational Advisory Committee.

Qualifications

Doctor of Philosophy, University of Newcastle
Bachelor of Applied Science (Med Rad Tech), University of Newcastle
Bachelor of Applied Science (Med Rad Tech)(Hons), University of Newcastle
Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography, University of Sydney

Keywords

Diagnostic Radiography
Diagnostic Radiography Practice, Research and Education
Health Science Education
Health and Cancer Related Quality of Life
Interprofessional Health and Medical Education
Medical Radiation Science
Professional Practice
Ultrasound
Ultrasound Practice, Research and Education

Fields of Research

Code	Description	Percentage
110199	Medical Biochemistry and Metabolomics not elsewhere classified	80
130199	Education Systems not elsewhere classified	20

Professional Experience

UON Appointment

Title	Organisation / Department
Lecturer	University of Newcastle School of Health Sciences Australia

Academic appointment

Dates	Title	Organisation / Department
1/01/2012 -	Membership - Australasian Sonographers Association / Musculoskeletal Committee	Australasian Sonographers Association / Musculoskeletal Committee Australia
1/01/2012 -	Membership - Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency	Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency Australia
1/01/2011 -	Membership - School of Health Science Placement Sub Committee	School of Health Science Placement Sub Committee Australia
1/01/2000 -	Membership - Australasian Sonographers Association	Australasian Sonographers Association Australia
1/01/2000 -	Membership - Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry	Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry Australia
1/01/1996 -	Membership - Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy	Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Australia
1/01/1996 -	Membership - Environmental Protection Authority Radiation Licence	Environmental Protection Authority Radiation Licence Australia

Professional appointment

Dates	Title	Organisation / Department
27/10/2017 -	Chair - Australasian Sonographers Association Educational Advisory Committee	Australian Sonographers Association Australia
1/01/2015 -	Membership - Australasian Sonographers Association / Educational Advisory Committee	Australasian Sonographers Association Australia
1/01/2014 -	Chair of the Australasian Sonographers Association Musculoskeletal Committee	Australasian Sonographers Association Australia
1/12/2001 -	Sonographer	Hunter Imaging Group Australia

Awards

Recipient

Year	Award
2013	Best Medical Imaging Poster Prize Australian Institute of Radiography
2013	Best Student Poster Prize Australian Institute of Radiography

Invitations

Peer Reviewer

Year	Title / Rationale
2016	Sonography Journal
2016	Global Journal of Health Science

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Publications

For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.

Journal article (9 outputs)

Year

Citation

Altmetrics

Link

2015

McKiernan S, Chiarelli P, Warren-Forward H, 'The content of a training package in diagnostic ultrasound for physiotherapists', Sonography, 2 1-7 (2015) [C1]

DOI	10.1002/sono.12015
Co-authors	Pauline Chiarelli, Helen Warren-Forward

2014

McKiernan ST, Chiarelli P, Warren-Forward H, 'Diagnostic Ultrasound for Assessment of Pelvic Floor Muscle Contraction: Frequently Asked Questions.', Journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Women's Health, Spring 37-43 (2014) [C1]

Co-authors	Helen Warren-Forward, Pauline Chiarelli

2013

McKiernan ST, Fenech M, Hackett L, Stewart I, 'Elbow Sonography and Commonly Encountered Pathologies', Sound Effects, 4 18-24 (2013) [C2]

2013

McKiernan S, Chiarelli P, Warren-Forward H, 'Professional issues in the use of diagnostic ultrasound biofeedback in physiotherapy of the female pelvic floor', Radiography, 19 117-124 (2013) [C1]

The usage of diagnostic ultrasound equipment has expanded into physiotherapy. The aim of this paper is to deliver to both the ultrasound and physiotherapy professions an understan... [more]

The usage of diagnostic ultrasound equipment has expanded into physiotherapy. The aim of this paper is to deliver to both the ultrasound and physiotherapy professions an understanding of the use of diagnostic ultrasound for biofeedback in physiotherapy of the female pelvic floor and the issues related to competent and safe practice, including accessing suitable training. This has been evaluated using a qualitative research paradigm with data gathered via focus groups of Australian physiotherapists. The target group were pelvic floor physiotherapists as this is one of the main uses of diagnostic ultrasound within physiotherapy and the main area physiotherapists would like to be trained in. Two focus groups were run with a total of sixteen physiotherapists. Focus group participants reported their training in diagnostic ultrasound to be largely self directed. They also reported they were learning on their patients. Despite very limited training, participants demonstrated some familiarity with images and equipment settings. Participants felt the modality had a role within physiotherapy as an adjunct to their current practices. The main need raised by participants during the focus groups was related to patient expectations and the fact that the physiotherapist may miss evidence of pathology. © 2013 The College of Radiographers.

DOI	10.1016/j.radi.2013.01.006
Co-authors	Helen Warren-Forward, Pauline Chiarelli

2012

McKiernan ST, 'Essential applications of musculoskeletal ultrasound in rheumatology', Sound Effects, 41 (2012) [C3]

2012

McKiernan ST, Chiarelli PE, Warren-Forward H, 'A comparison between workshop and DVD methods of training for physiotherapists in diagnostic ultrasound', Radiography, 18 287-291 (2012) [C1]

DOI	10.1016/j.radi.2012.07.004
Co-authors	Helen Warren-Forward, Pauline Chiarelli

2012

Walmsley S, Rivett DA, Osmotherly PG, McKiernan ST, 'Early diagnosis of primary/idiopathic adhesive capsulitis: Can imaging contribute?', International Musculoskeletal Medicine, 34 166-174 (2012) [C1]

Co-authors	Darren Rivett, Peter Osmotherly, Sarah Walmsley

2011

McKiernan ST, Chiarelli PE, Warren-Forward H, 'A survey of diagnostic ultrasound within the physiotherapy profession for the design of future training tools', Radiography, 17 121-125 (2011) [C1]

DOI	10.1016/j.radi.2010.08.003
Citations	Scopus - 15Web of Science - 12
Co-authors	Helen Warren-Forward, Pauline Chiarelli

2010

McKiernan ST, Chiarelli PE, Warren-Forward H, 'Diagnostic ultrasound use in physiotherapy, emergency medicine, and anaesthesiology', Radiography, 16 154-159 (2010) [C1]

DOI	10.1016/j.radi.2009.12.004
Citations	Scopus - 15Web of Science - 9
Co-authors	Helen Warren-Forward, Pauline Chiarelli

Show 6 more journal articles

Conference (12 outputs)

Year

Citation

Altmetrics

Link

2017

Carey L, McKiernan S, Gardner A, Stanwell P, 'Concussion in sport: what is the role of imaging?', Perth, Australia (2017)

Co-authors	Peter Stanwell

2014

McKiernan S, Bottaro A, 'X-Rays as Art', Melbourne (2014)

2014

McKiernan S, Arumugasamy R, Ricardo L, Margery F, Perring S, Stonham A, 'Integrating C-arm CT: are more arms really that helpful?', Melbourne (2014)

2014

McKiernan S, Mahon J, 'Radiography Abroad: a Firsthand Experience of Nepalese Healthcare', Melbourne (2014)

2013

McKiernan ST, Collins E, Daley L, Kimber B, Lloyd J, Price P, 'Screening Mammography - Benefits vs. Risks: A Comparative Study of the Positive Effects and Harms From Screening Mammography', 10th Annual Scientific Meeting of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Abstracts, Hobart (2013) [E3]

2013

McKiernan ST, Warren-Forward H, Myers P, 'Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Should Australia Have a Screening Program?', Annual Scientific Meeting of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Abstracts, Hobart (2013) [E3]

2013

McKiernan ST, Chiarelli P, Warren-Forward H, 'A Training Package in Diagnostic Ultrasound for Physiotherapists', Annual Scientific Meeting of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Abstracts, Hobart (2013) [E3]

2013

McKiernan ST, Henderson S, Buxton A, 'The Clements Nakayama Hip View: Have You Ever Used It?', Annual Scientific Meeting of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Abstracts, Hobart (2013) [E3]

2013

McKiernan S, Chiarelli P, Warren-Forward H, 'Using Diagnostic Ultrasound to Investigate the Pelvic Floor', Sydney (2013)

Co-authors	Helen Warren-Forward, Pauline Chiarelli

2012

McKiernan ST, Chiarelli PE, Warren-Forward H, 'Results of a survey to investigate diagnostic ultrasound within physiotherapy', Annual National Conference of the Australian Sonographers Association, Canberra, ACT (2012) [E3]

Co-authors	Pauline Chiarelli, Helen Warren-Forward

2012

McKiernan ST, Chiarelli PE, Warren-Forward H, 'Training in diagnostic ultrasound for physiotherapists via workshop or DVD. Which provides the better educational outcome?', Annual Scientific Meeting of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy . Abstracts, Sydney, NSW (2012) [E3]

Co-authors	Helen Warren-Forward, Pauline Chiarelli

2011

McKiernan ST, Chiarelli PE, Warren-Forward H, 'Diagnostic ultrasound in physiotherapy, what they are using it for and how we can help', Proceedings of the UK Radiological Congress 2011, Manchester, UK (2011) [E3]

Co-authors	Pauline Chiarelli, Helen Warren-Forward

Show 9 more conferences

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Grants and Funding

Summary

Number of grants	14
Total funding	$133,651

Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.

20172 grants / $12,570

UON 2017 Research Equipment Grant $10,570

Funding body: University of Newcastle

Funding body	University of Newcastle
Project Team	Doctor Sharmaine McKiernan
Scheme	Researcher Equipment Grants
Role	Lead
Funding Start	2017
Funding Finish	2017
GNo	G1701144
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	Y

2017 SHS Strategic Pilot Grant$2,000

Funding body: School of Health Science Research and Research Training Committee

Funding body	School of Health Science Research and Research Training Committee
Project Team	Surjan Y, James D, McKiernan S, Lyall D, Tessier J
Scheme	SHS 2017 Strategic Pilot Scheme
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2017
Funding Finish	2017
GNo
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	N

20152 grants / $32,494

Faculty of Health and Medicine Teaching Equipment Grant$27,544

Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine

Funding body	University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine
Scheme	Teaching Equipment Grant
Role	Lead
Funding Start	2015
Funding Finish	2015
GNo
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	N

School of Health Sciences Research Equipment Grant$4,950

Funding body: University of Newcastle - School of Health Sciences

Funding body	University of Newcastle - School of Health Sciences
Scheme	Research Equipment Grant
Role	Lead
Funding Start	2015
Funding Finish	2015
GNo
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	N

20144 grants / $31,627

2014 Faculty of Health and Medicine Teaching Equipment Grant$11,413

Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine

Funding body	University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine
Project Team	Sharmaine McKiernan
Scheme	teaching equipment grant
Role	Lead
Funding Start	2014
Funding Finish	2014
GNo
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	N

School of Health Sciences Research Equipment Grant$11,014

Funding body: University of Newcastle

Funding body	University of Newcastle
Project Team	Sharmaine McKiernan
Scheme	Research equipment grant
Role	Lead
Funding Start	2014
Funding Finish	2014
GNo
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	N

School of Health Sciences Research Equipment Grant$7,700

Funding body: University of Newcastle

Funding body	University of Newcastle
Project Team	Sharmaine McKiernan
Scheme	Research equipment grant
Role	Lead
Funding Start	2014
Funding Finish	2014
GNo
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	N

2014 Combined Scientific Meeting, Melbourne Australia, 4-7 September 2014$1,500

Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine

Funding body	University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine
Project Team	Doctor Sharmaine McKiernan
Scheme	Travel Grant
Role	Lead
Funding Start	2014
Funding Finish	2014
GNo	G1400812
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	Y

20131 grants / $1,500

Annual Scientific Meeting of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy 2013, Hobart, Tasmania, 8 - 10 March 2012$1,500

Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine

Funding body	University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine
Project Team	Doctor Sharmaine McKiernan
Scheme	Travel Grant
Role	Lead
Funding Start	2013
Funding Finish	2013
GNo	G1201268
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	Y

20122 grants / $41,500

Equipment Grant$40,000

Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine

Funding body	University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine
Project Team	Sharmaine McKiernan
Scheme	Equipment Grant
Role	Lead
Funding Start	2012
Funding Finish	2012
GNo
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	N

Annual Scientific meeting of Medical Imaging and Radiation therapy, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, 20 - 22 April 2012$1,500

Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine

Funding body	University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine
Project Team	Doctor Sharmaine McKiernan
Scheme	Travel Grant
Role	Lead
Funding Start	2012
Funding Finish	2012
GNo	G1200496
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	Y

20112 grants / $3,960

RHD Scholarship$2,460

Funding body: University of Newcastle

Funding body	University of Newcastle
Project Team	Sharmaine McKiernan
Scheme	RHD write up scholarship
Role	Lead
Funding Start	2011
Funding Finish	2011
GNo
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	N

UKRC Radiological Congress, Manchester UK, 6-8 June 2011$1,500

Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine

Funding body	University of Newcastle - Faculty of Health and Medicine
Project Team	Doctor Sharmaine McKiernan
Scheme	Travel Grant
Role	Lead
Funding Start	2011
Funding Finish	2011
GNo	G1100392
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	Y

20091 grants / $10,000

Supporting Commencing Students$10,000

Funding body: University of Newcastle

Funding body	University of Newcastle
Project Team	Yolanda Surjan
Scheme	Teaching and Learning Grant
Role	Investigator
Funding Start	2009
Funding Finish	2009
GNo
Type Of Funding	Internal
Category	INTE
UON	N

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Research Supervision

Number of supervisions

Completed0

Current4

Total current UON EFTSL

Masters0.4

PhD0.15

Current Supervision

Commenced	Level of Study	Research Title	Program	Supervisor Type
2018	PhD	The Relationship between the Thoracic Spine and Shoulder Impingement Syndrome	PhD (Physiotherapy), Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle	Co-Supervisor
2017	Masters	The Feasibility of Ultrasound by Nurse Practitioners to Diagnose Musculoskeletal Extremity Injuries with the Aim to Extrapolate to Resource Limited Situations	M Philosophy (Nursing), Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle	Co-Supervisor
2017	PhD	Impact of Online Learning on Radiographers' Practice in Determining the Need for an Erect Abdominal Radiograph in Patients Presenting with Acute Abdominal Pain	PhD (Medical Radiation Sc), Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle	Co-Supervisor
2016	Masters	Analysing Accelerometer Data in Relation to the Magnitude and Direction of Forces that Contribute to Concussion in Rugby League Players	M Philosophy (Med RadiationSc), Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle	Co-Supervisor

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