Monash researcher acknowledged for her outstanding contribution to the dietetic profession

Associate Professor Judi Porter from Monash University’s Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food has received an Outstanding Contribution Award from the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA).

The prestigious award acknowledges Associate Professor Porter’s role in advancing the profession, particularly in the areas of research, publication and continuing professional development.

Associate Professor Porter’s research combines her interests in hospital food service and malnutrition, where she recently led a clinical trial implementing Protected Mealtimes (including increasing interactions that assist patients at meals whilst decreasing unnecessary interruptions) as part of her NHMRC TRIP fellowship.  This clinical trial was the first internationally to utilise a high-quality study design, with results revealing limited effect for the implementation of Protected Mealtimes.

Associate Professor Porter’s current projects include the systematic review and primary data analysis of data where total energy expenditure has been determined using doubly labelled water in the elderly, and an investigation of the professional identity of allied health staff at Eastern Health before and after a large organisational restructure.

“This award came as a great surprise, it really is an honour to be recognised by my peers,” Associate Professor Porter said.

DAA Public Relations Manager Ms Sally Moloney said that as Chair of the Melbourne 2016 national conference Scientific and Social Program Committee, Associate Professor Porter led the development of an outstanding scientific program which resulted in the largest and highly successful national conference.

“Her longstanding commitment to the Journal as an Associate Editor and more recently as the Systematic Review Editor on the Editorial Board and member of the Journal Strategic Planning Committee has been outstanding,” Ms Moloney said.

Associate Professor Porter received her Award at the DAA National Conference last week.  

As well has holding conjoint roles in the Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health (SCS), and in the Allied Health Clinical Research Office at Eastern Health, Associate Professor Porter has recently taken on the role of Editor of Nutrition & Dietetics and is also an Associate Editor for BMC Nutrition. 

“Peer-reviewed journals right now have unprecedented opportunities to engage with authors and readers; it is an exciting but challenging time to be involved in any editorial role,” said Associate Professor Porter.