
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
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
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Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Health Sciences Australia |
Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Health Sciences Australia |
Academic appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
1/1/2011 - | Membership - School of Health Science Placement Sub Committee | School of Health Science Placement Sub Committee Australia |
1/1/1996 - | Membership - Environmental Protection Authority Radiation Licence | Environmental Protection Authority Radiation Licence Australia |
1/1/2012 - | Membership - Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency | Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency Australia |
1/1/2000 - | Membership - Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry | Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry Australia |
1/1/2012 - | Membership - Australasian Sonographers Association / Musculoskeletal Committee | Australasian Sonographers Association / Musculoskeletal Committee Australia |
1/1/2000 - | Membership - Australasian Sonographers Association | Australasian Sonographers Association Australia |
1/1/1996 - | Membership - Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy | Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Australia |
Professional appointment
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
---|---|---|
27/10/2017 - | Chair - Australasian Sonographers Association Educational Advisory Committee | Australian Sonographers Association Australia |
1/12/2001 - | Sonographer | Hunter Imaging Group Australia |
1/1/2015 - | Membership - Australasian Sonographers Association / Educational Advisory Committee | Australasian Sonographers Association Australia |
1/1/2014 - | Chair of the Australasian Sonographers Association Musculoskeletal Committee | Australasian Sonographers Association Australia |
Awards
Recipient
Year | Award |
---|---|
2018 |
Best ePoster Prize Australasian Sonography Association |
2013 |
Best Medical Imaging Poster Prize Australian Institute of Radiography |
2013 |
Best Student Poster Prize Australian Institute of Radiography |
Recognition
Year | Award |
---|---|
2018 |
One of the Sonography journals top 20 most downloaded papers published between 2016 and 2017 Australasian Sonography Association |
Invitations
Peer Reviewer
Year | Title / Rationale |
---|---|
2016 | Sonography Journal |
2016 | Global Journal of Health Science |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Journal article (14 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||||||||
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2020 |
Denham G, Smith T, James D, McKiernan S, Evans TJ, 'Exploring the evidence-practice gap in the use of plain radiography for acute abdominal pain and intestinal obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis', International journal of evidence-based healthcare, 18 159-169 (2020) [C1] AIM: Previous studies, some dating back several decades, have recommended that the use of plain abdominal radiography should be curbed, particularly with the growth of more accura... [more] AIM: Previous studies, some dating back several decades, have recommended that the use of plain abdominal radiography should be curbed, particularly with the growth of more accurate imaging modalities. However, evidence from referral data suggests that plain abdominal radiography continues to be a commonly requested examination. The aim of this review was to explore the gap between evidence and practice by re-examining the evidence using a robust methodology, investigating the diagnostic accuracy of plain abdominal radiography. METHODS: Studies were identified from electronic databases and reference lists. Eligible studies provided data as to the sensitivity and specificity of plain abdominal radiography for either acute abdominal pain (Group A) or suspected intestinal obstruction (Group B). Version 2 of the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies was used to assess the quality of studies and hierarchical summary receiver operator characteristic curves and coupled forest plots were generated. RESULTS: Four studies evaluated plain abdominal radiography for acute abdominal pain (Group A) and 10 for suspected intestinal obstruction (Group B). Two studies investigated both presentations and were included in both groups. Methodological quality of studies was moderately high, though incorporation bias was a common limitation. Sensitivity for Group A studies ranged from 30 to 46%, with specificity from 75 to 88%. For Group B, the range of sensitivity was 48 to 96% and specificity from 50 to 100%. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that use of plain abdominal radiography could be substantially reduced, particularly for patients with undifferentiated acute abdominal pain. While some guidelines exist, there is sound argument for clinical decision rules for abdominal imaging to inform evidence-based clinical decision-making and radiology referrals.
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2018 |
Hunter D, Rivett D, Rajapaksha Mudiyanselage I, McKiernan S, Snodgrass S, 'Is the inclinometer a valid measure of thoracic kyphosis? A cross-sectional study', Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, 22 310-317 (2018) [C1]
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2017 |
McKiernan S, Fenech M, Fox D, Stewart I, 'Sonography of the ankle: The lateral ankle and ankle sprains', Sonography, 4 146-155 (2017)
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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]
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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]
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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.
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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]
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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]
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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]
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2010 |
McKiernan ST, Chiarelli PE, Warren-Forward H, 'Diagnostic ultrasound use in physiotherapy, emergency medicine, and anaesthesiology', Radiography, 16 154-159 (2010) [C1]
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2004 |
Smith AN, McKiernan S, 'The Redevelopment of the New South Wales Remote X-ray Operators Licensing Course', The Radiographer, 51 117-122 (2004) [C1]
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Show 11 more journal articles |
Conference (31 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
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2020 |
Hunter DJ, Rivett DA, McKeirnan S, Smith L, Snodgrass SJ, 'Relationship Between Shoulder Impingement Syndrome and Thoracic Posture.', Phys Ther, United States (2020)
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2019 | McKiernan S, Burgin M, Byun H, Paterson A, Sia M, Sun B, Vella S, '22nd Asia-Australasia Conference of Radiological Technologists (AACRT 2019) and 14th Annual Scientific Meeting of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMMIRT)', Communication in Paediatric Radiography, Adelaide (2019) | |||||||
2019 | McKiernan S, Burgess A, Hatter G, Ketteringham K, Line J, Morris E, Strawhorn N, 'Dementia - Putting The Pieces Together', Adelaide (2019) | |||||||
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] | |||||||
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]
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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]
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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]
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Show 28 more conferences |
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 | 2014 |
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 | 2013 |
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 | 2012 |
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 |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
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), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, 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), College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Dr Sharmaine McKiernan
Position
Lecturer
School of Health Sciences
College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Focus area
Medical Radiation Science
Contact Details
sharmaine.mckiernan@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 492 18861 |
Fax | (02) 492 17053 |
Office
Room | HC74 |
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Building | Hunter Building |
Location | Callaghan University Drive Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia |