This ANZAC Day 2023, Australian Health Journal releases an interview with Group Captain Kath Stein MACN, Director of Defence Force Nursing with the Royal Australian Air Force.
She talks about many masks, aside from PPE, that leadership and all nurses need to wear. Currently there is work underway on a new capability description on what a nurse brings to every level in the nursing defence structure. The advice Group Captain Stein, imparts for new recruits and those interested in joining Defence Force Nursing is to take every opportunity that arises. This is evident in her progression through her career.
Group Captain Stein joined the Air Force in March 1991 through the Undergraduate Scheme. Following her graduation from University she consolidated her clinical training in the Graduate Program at Fremantle Hospital.
In the years that have followed she has served in health facilities including Number 3 RAAF Hospital, Health Services Flights Pearce and Tindal with operational experience on exercises and deployments. This health experience supported her health planning role in Headquarters 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing and varying policy and governance roles in Strategic Policy and Intelligence Group, Joint Health Command and Air Force Headquarters. She was privileged to Command Joint Health Unit Northern New South Wales and is the current Director of Defence Force Nursing.
Group Captain Stein’s professional development activities have included the USAF Flight Nurse Course and tertiary studies to specialise in Trauma Nursing and Emergency Management. She recently Graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served as a Director on the Board for a Not for Profit Organisation making a difference in Mental Health Services for the community. Her interests outside of work include supporting her childrens’ sporting pursuits, catching up with friends and community service. She has two teenage boys and indulges one very spoilt puppy, Alfie.
Credits:
Australian College of Nursing (National Nursing Forum 2022, Darwin),
Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN, CEO ACN
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Family biz succeeds in vaccine approval & distribution
It’s been 10 years since Jenny and Karl Herz started in business. Over the past 10 years they’ve launched Biointelect and Biocelect businesses to help secure approval and distribution for new medicines into Australia.
In this Australian Health Journal interview, Jenny and Karl talk about the journey the husband and wife team took to get the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (Nuvaxovid) approved and distributed in Australia. The journey didn’t just include talented and diverse skilled staff but also their children working in both organisations.
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Thyroid health into pregnancy
‘Without an adequate amount of thyroid hormone mothers can be exposed to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia or eclampsia, which affect around 10% of pregnant women and are the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide. Mothers who suffer from hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are at increased risk of long-term cardiovascular consequences and hypertensive disorders in subsequent pregnancies. Evidence also indicates a risk of reduced cognitive ability to their offspring.
‘Knowing if you are genetically predisposed to Hashimoto’s or Graves’ Diseases, which are both thyroid autoimmune disorders is important to be aware of, to ensure all appropriate tests are ordered. Autoimmune disorders may predispose mothers to a thyroid problem during pregnancy’, says Professor Creswell Eastman, who also serves as the ATF’s Principal Medical Advisor.
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Tasmanian researchers and clinicians working together
Tasmanian medical research charity funds projects that have a global impact and improve community health and well-being.
Australian Health Journal spoke to Stephanie Furler the Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation about the impact of this research locally and in global health.
