SCS staff receive Dean's Awards for Excellence 2024

The 2024 Dean's Awards for Excellence were announced recently and SCS is delighted to report that ten staff members, (including 3 individual and 7 team awards) have been recognised for their outstanding achievement within the Faculty.

Individual awards

Prof Ram Nataraja

Professor Ram Nataraja: Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research: Enterprise and/or Commercialisation

Professor Ram Nataraja is an academic paediatric surgeon in the Department of Paediatrics in the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health. He is also the Director of Monash Children’s Hospital Simulation Centre and in this role has built the unit to be a self-sustainable model with an increasing portfolio of virtual national and international courses. He is a pioneer in minimally invasive surgery in children and surgical simulation and also designed the first validated paediatric surgical bench trainer model in 2002. He continues to use innovation and incorporation of novel and emerging technology to increase the impact of education. He has an educational and clinical research background with more than 120 peer-reviewed publications. He is also passionate about educational reform in low and middle-income countries, having led various programs in countries including Myanmar, Fiji, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea, including the innovative PIVOTS program.

"It's a great honour to receive this award from the Dean acknowledging the work we have been doing in the Pacific Islands. None of this would have been possible without the excellent team at Monash Children’s Simulation! There is so much great work happening at the SCS and it’s a pleasure to work with all of you!", said Professor Nataraja.

A/Prof Megan Wallace

Associate Professor Megan Wallace: Dean’s Award for Excellence in Education: Educational Leadership

Associate Professor Megan Wallace is a teaching and research academic with a diverse suite of senior educational leadership roles. In those roles, she is leading educational changes in undergraduate, graduate and continuing medical education. Associate Professor Wallace has played a pivotal role in developing and introducing the largest new component in the MD degree required for accreditation by the Australian Medical Council. She also coordinates the BMedSc(Hons) degree and an undergraduate research-focused unit BME3082, instilling a passion and enthusiasm for medical research in her students. She is also responsible for developing a highly successful suite of short courses for health professionals, leading continual professional development activities for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. In these roles, Associate Professor Wallace plays a key role in driving the vital intersection between teaching and research in the faculty, training and mentoring junior scientists and clinician scientists, promoting evidence-based medicine, and increasing the base of research-active clinicians in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

"I am extremely honoured to receive the Dean's Award for Excellence in Educational Leadership. The success of the programs that I lead can be very much attributed to the inspirational and hardworking education teams who ensure that each of our programs are engaging, relevant and have a positive impact on student learning and outcomes", said Associate Professor Wallace.

Dr Kathryn Connelly

Dr Kathryn Connelly: Dean’s Award for Doctoral Thesis Excellence 2023 -  Faculty Industry Engagement Award

Dr Kathryn Connelly was recognised for her PhD thesis entitled Towards a Novel Treatment Response Measure for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus under the supervision of Professor Eric Morand, Associate Professor Vera Golder and Dr Rangi Kandane-Rathnayake, in the  School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health.

"This award acknowledges the work of a large and diverse team from across the globe - we thank the University for recognising the value of industry engagement working towards a common goal of improving patient outcomes", said Dr Connelly.

Team awards

L-R: Dr Phyllis Chua, Kaylene Hanlon, Dr Meaghan Christian, Dr Peta Tehan, A/Prof Janeane Dart

Dr Phyllis Chua, Kaylene Hanlon, Dr Meaghan Christian, Dr Peta Tehan, Associate Professor Janeane Dart: Dean’s Award for Excellence in Education: Industry Education Programs - TEAM Undergraduate Certificates (Together Educating & Advocating Matters)

The team established the Undergraduate Certificates of Mental Health, Aged Care Health Essentials and Health Care Essentials, enrolling more than 2500 students These innovative courses respond to industry needs, include co-design with industry, consumers and carers, cross-faculty teaching teams, and diverse student groups and have received excellent feedback.

L-R: A/Prof Kiri Beilby,
Dr Nicola Rivers

Associate Professor Kiri Beilby and Dr Nicola Rivers: Dean’s Award for Excellence In Education: Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning

The COVID-19 lockdowns in Melbourne resulted in a significant reduction in student motivation and engagement as measured through student evaluations (SETU) and attendance in a cohort of postgraduate science students within the Sub-Faculty of Clinical and Molecular Medicine. These issues not only persisted but worsened in the two years following, long after public health restrictions were lifted and as the cost of living crisis began to rise. To address the problem, an in-depth evaluation of student experience was conducted through the lens of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), resulting in a list of recommendations that were implemented and shown to improve student motivation through SETU metrics.

Well done Sue

Medical student, Sue Liu won the Medical Student Prize in the 2023 Victorian Scientific Research Awards. Sue said, “It is an honour to receive this award for my work with Dr Maurizio Pacilli, Associate Professor Ram Nataraja and the wonderful support of the nursing team. Many of the parents and patients were extremely excited about the technology and I hope to see this in practice in the future.”

SCS staff receive Dean's Awards for Excellence

The Dean's Awards for Excellence were announced recently and SCS is delighted to report that three staff members have been recognised for their outstanding achievement within the Faculty.   Prof Michael Hickey was awarded "Excellence in Research (Postgraduate Research Supervision)", A/Prof Julie Brimblecombe was awarded "Excellence in Research Impact (Economic and Social Impact)" and A/Prof Ram Nataraja was awarded "Excellence in Education (Innovation in Learning and Teaching)".

The Sweet Dreams Trial - results submitted for presentation at the American Academy of Paediatric National Conference

Dr Maurizio Pacilli, Principal Investigator

Effects of preoperative carbohydrate drink on postoperative recovery after day-surgery in children: a randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (The Sweet Dreams Trial)

Precise antibiotic dosage found to reduce postoperative complications in common surgical procedure

Mr Ram Nataraja

New research led by Mr Ram Nataraja from the Department of Paediatrics has demonstrated the precise antibiotic post-operative dosage which can significantly reduce wound infection rates amongst children who undergo a simple appendicectomy.

Monash research into CDH gives hope to families

Ms Tara Gallo, Mr Ram Nataraja, Mr Aidan Kashyap

Research leading to improved outcomes for babies with congenital diaphragmatic hernia was the focus of a community forum last month in Melbourne.

Led by Associate Professor Ryan Hodges, the Fetal Therapy Research Group at The Ritchie Centre (Monash University and Hudson Institute of Medical Research) is working towards improving outcomes for babies who have difficulty breathing at birth due to a condition called congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Supported by CDH Australia—a charity that supports families along their CDH journey—the research team is investigating new therapies that could help these babies’ lungs develop better during pregnancy.

On Friday 25th May 2018, President of CDH Australia, Ms Tara Gallo, and board member Ms Courtney Vodopic, visited the Monash Health Translational Precinct (MHTP) to gain a better understanding of the bench-to-bedside research being undertaken at The Ritchie Centre and Monash Children's Hospital (MCH).

“Tara and Courtney were really impressed with the care taken in every aspect of the MCH design to ensure that it is a safe and comfortable environment for young children and their families, and couldn't believe the incredible scope of research being undertaken at The Ritchie Centre to improve outcomes for future babies born with CDH,” said Monash University medical student and PhD candidate at The Ritchie Centre Mr Aidan Kashyap. 

On Saturday 26th May 2018, CDH Australia held their Annual Forum - an event designed to provide the CDH community with an opportunity to come together to connect, support, and learn.

Guest speakers at the event included MCH paediatric surgeon Mr Ram Nataraja and Aidan Kashyap, who gave presentations on the current management of CDH babies at MCH, and some of the exciting new research on the horizon. 

“In CDH, a hole in the diaphragm allows abdominal organs to enter the chest and prevent the lungs from growing appropriately during fetal development,” Aidan said.

“As a consultant paediatric surgeon at MCH, Mr Nataraja is an expert in repairing these hernias after birth.”

“However, many of these babies continue to face difficulties breathing even once the hole is repaired, and some don’t make it to the operating room at all.”

Aidan’s research focuses on improving lung development in these babies before they are born, so that one day all babies with CDH, and their parents, can breathe a little easier.

If you, your extended family, or your patients have been affected by CDH, please get in touch with CDH Australia at cdh.org.au.

3D printing an education tool for surgical trainees and medical students

Mr Ram Nataraja

For the first time, a team at Monash Children’s Hospital and Monash University have created a 3D printed model of a three year old patient’s abnormal biliary tree and choledochal cyst to improve the planning and outcome of her corrective surgery, while at the same time enhancing the educational experience for medical staff and students.

The novel project, led by Monash Children’s Hospital consultant paediatric and neonatal surgeon Mr Ram Nataraja, who is also Director of Surgical Simulation and a senior lecturer at Monash University, was published recently in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health.

3D printing is increasingly being used in medicine to assist surgeons in pre-operative planning. 

“3D printing of bespoke patient replicas has the potential to revolutionise complex surgical procedures by allowing 3D visualisation of unique anatomical variants or pathology, both before and during surgery,” Mr Nataraja said.

“This project also demonstrates the educational value of 3D printing models to undergraduate medical students, surgical trainees and patients.”

It is well established that the duration and therefore cost of surgical cases are increased by the participation of surgical trainees, or residents.

“Longer operative times and low operator experience are linked to increased complications, therefore any means to improve this will save health care dollars and also improve patient outcomes,” Mr Nataraja said.

Mr Nataraja’s team constructed a 3D model of the patient’s choledochal cyst, a rare congenital enlargement of the bile ducts.

“Our bespoke model of the patient’s choledochal malformation was used prior to surgery for visualisation, preoperative planning, education and parental counselling.”

Mr Nataraja said the child had a straight forward uncomplicated post-operative recovery with no operative complications and has remained well for the last four months.

“In the future we hope to develop the capacity to print 3D images of bespoke patient pathology on site, and integrate it into the routine management of rare or complicated diseases with a view to improve outcomes and understanding for patients and their parents as well as education of trainees and students,” he said.

“This case also highlights the excellent talent at Monash University, especially Professor Paul McMenamin who co-supervised this project.”

Simulation changing surgical training

Mr Ram Nataraja in the MCH surgical simulation centre

Surgical training has changed radically in the last few decades.  Competency-based training has replaced the traditional apprenticeship model based on Halsted’s principles, dating back to the 19^th century.

In two review articles published in the Journal of Pediatric Urology, Monash University’s Mr Ram Nataraja reveals the significant benefits of surgical simulation in surgical training and education.

Mr Nataraja is a consultant paediatric and neonatal surgeon and Director of surgical simulation at Monash Children’s Hospital, and a senior lecturer at Monash University’s Department of Paediatrics.

“Healthcare education has evolved rapidly in the last twenty years, with changes especially evident in surgical training,” Mr Nataraja said.

“Simulation methodology is now an integral part of training various surgical subspecialties, especially for technical skills learning.”

“However, it is important to recognise that the role of simulation in surgical education is broader than merely technical skill acquisition.”

Many adverse incidents in surgical practice arise from or involve failures in communication, teamwork, and situational awareness, rather than technical expertise.

Mr Nataraja said that simulation can promote the learning, practice, refinement, and assessment of both technical and non-technical skills in a patient-safe environment.

“In addition to allowing learners to make mistakes without adverse patient impacts, simulation also allows for specific rehearsal of rare or unique situations,” he said.

Simulation modalities that have been shown to enhance surgical training and education include (but are not limited to): open surgical models and trainers, laparoscopic bench trainers, virtual reality trainers, simulated patients and role-play, hybrid simulation and scenario-based simulation.

“Some of these modalities are readily available and others more expensive; located in specialised surgical simulation centres,” Mr Nataraja said.

“Advances in simulator design have resulted in decreased cost and bring aspects of simulation-based medical education within the reach of all departments, even in resource-constrained environments.”

Mr Nataraja review includes an overview of essential educational principles that underpin contemporary medical education and support the practical application of surgical simulation.  His key message is that surgical simulation does not have to be expensive or time-consuming to be effective, and can be incorporated into busy surgical timetables.

The Use of Tissue Glue for Circumcision in Children: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Maurizio Pacilli et al. published in Urology.

Read article here.

Monash University State of the Art Simulation Facility to Train Students for Pediatric Emergencies

Dr Ram Nataraja

In the same way that flight simulators are used to prepare pilots for emergencies a new world-class facility at Monash Children’s Hospital is preparing the next generation of paediatricians and paediatric surgeons to predict, prevent and manage emergencies in a busy hospital environment.

Monash University’s Paediatric Simulation Centre, which operates fully in the new Monash Children’s Hospital, has a purpose built operating  theatre, paediatric and neonatal ward and procedures rooms. These are controlled, videoed and monitored remotely to provide students with “real life” emergencies such as resuscitating a baby in a ward, or inserting a catheter into a child with cancer (a major source of infection if done poorly).

Monash University medical intern, Dr Sam Alexander, recently completed a study, to be published later this year, that compared experienced paediatric surgeons, surgical trainees and medical students on how they performed two types of complex laparoscopic procedures using a surgical simulation model.

The models have been designed to easily and cheaply produced and able to be taken  home by students for practice. 

The study found that the scores achieved by each of the three groups mirrored the level of surgical experience. 

According to Dr Alexander, the study showed that simple surgical models like the ones developed by him – which included high tensile plastic to simulate muscle and thin, tearable material to represent more delicate tissue – can assist in the training of medical students. 

“As a student I would have had access to the expensive surgical models at best 4 times during my training, and always under supervision,” he said.

“Developing new, transportable, cheap simulation models means that students can develop strong surgical techniques at home, and they can also be used in training doctors in remote areas.”

Director of the Surgical Simulation Unit and Co-Chair of MCH Simulation, Dr Ram Nataraja, says the facilities are unique in Australia and have been designed with the goal of training students in all types of paediatric emergencies, “so that they are better prepared when the real event happens.”

The simulation rooms –simulating wards for either a newborn and/or a child and the operating room – are set up exactly as they would be in a hospital. 

“My experience is that medical students, put into a hospital or surgical environment tend to stay in corners, often too intimidated by their environment to ask questions or even come forward and observe,” Dr Nataraja said. 

“This is something that I remember from my student days, and these educational spaces allows students to become familiar with these clinical environments earlier than usual”.

“These facilities also allow us to let students make mistakes in a safe environment, to find their role in an emergency.”

The rooms are monitored through a one-way mirror and the supervisor can trigger an emergency, using a very life like model of a child or baby, that sends a normal ward room into one where a child needs emergency resuscitation.

The whole process is filmed and then the students review how the procedure went with their supervisor. In some cases, according to Dr Nataraja, the situations are so life like that students can become very distressed, “and we have a private debriefing room for those students who may become a bit overwhelmed, in addition to the normal debriefing room following the simulation activities”

MCH Simulation with Monash University will also become a centre for research into Simulation-Based Medical Education, helping to improve the evidence base for this important part of medical education.