INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIAN HEALTH AND EAR DISEASE
Professor Kelvin Kong AM, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Fellow Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgeon Worimi Nation, Australia &
School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Australia &
Honorary Professor, Macquarie University &
Adjunct Professor, University of NSW, Australia
RESEARCHER PROFILE
Filmed in Newcastle, NSW, Australia | October 2025
Professor Kelvin Kong feels incredibly fortunate to lead a fulfilling life surrounded by his loved ones. With a demonstrated history of service in the health industry, he brings a wealth of expertise across various sectors including clinical research, medical education, surgery, paediatrics, health policy, and Indigenous education. Kelvin started his university, residing at New College in 1992, which brings him fond memories. Graduating from medicine from the University of NSW, Kelvin continued his studies and became a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and Australian Society of Otolaryngology, head & neck Society (ASOHNS).
Based in Newcastle on Awabakal and Worimi Country, Kelvin specialises in Paediatric & Adult Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery. His practice encompasses a diverse range of adult and paediatric patients, with a particular interest in Paediatric Airway and Cochlear Implantation.
Beyond his clinical work, Kelvin is deeply committed to community service. His dedication to improving health outcomes extends to his role as a Professor at the University of Newcastle’s School of Medicine and Public Health, as well as his Honorary Professorships at Macquarie University and Associate Professorships UNSW. He established the Muku (Ear) Indigenous Ear Research program and strongly involved in many facets of research, particularly in relation to engaging community in research and creating career pathways. He is the senior examiner of the ORL Mini-court for RACS and member of the National Ear and Hearing Health Partnership Committee to highlight a few.
Hailing from the Worimi people of Port Stephens, NSW, Kelvin’s heritage informs his passion for health and education improvement initiatives. He remains grounded by the support of his family, who continue to inspire him in his efforts to give back to the community. Through his advocacy, research, and clinical practice, Kelvin strives to make a positive impact on the lives of others, guided by his commitment to equity and the well-being of all.
Source: Supplied
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8384-0149
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Identifying and treating autoimmune neurological disorders
Associate Professor Sudarshini Ramanathan is a neurologist and clinician scientist whose work focuses on autoimmune neurological disorders. Her research has helped identify new neurological syndromes due to antibody-mediated demyelination and encephalitis, and improve diagnostic tools and treatment guidelines for patients with autoimmune diseases affecting the brain, spinal cord, muscles and nerves.
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Optimising Rural Musculoskeletal Health
Adnan Asger Ali is a Director of Accelerate Physiotherapy and PhD candidate at The University of Sydney, where he is researching implementation strategies for musculoskeletal care pathways in rural Australia as part of the PACE-RURAL project.
A passionate advocate for physiotherapy, Adnan serves as Chair of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s National Musculoskeletal Committee and sits on the Capital Health Network’s Clinical Council. His commitment to clinical excellence was recognised when he received Physiotherapist of the Year at the 2023 Allied Health Awards.
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Relationship between language-literacy skills and mental health
In an innovative move towards enhancing mental health services, Associate Professor Amanda Neil and team, supported by the RHH Research Foundation, are undertaking a crucial study on language-literacy skills of patients within mental health care settings. This year-long project, which commenced in April 2024, seeks to unravel to what extent, where and for whom language-literacy skills are being considered in Tasmanian mental health service provision.
