Dr Cindy Tan is a dietitian and clinical researcher at the Sydney Cancer Survivorship Centre at Concord Hospital.
 

After starting at Concord, she wanted to do more than support her patients on their cancer journey, so she pursued the opportunity to do research. 

“I had a great team but wanted to do more. Without thinking too much about it I signed up and started my 6-year PHD,” she said. 

“It was a transformative experience with lots of opportunities, such as the chance to go on an exchange program and to overseas conferences, while still being a clinician dietitian.” 

After experiencing many long hours and many late nights and weekends, and competing interests, Cindy could not speak highly enough of her research experience and how it positively changed the path of her allied health career. 

“Everyone’s a bit different. For me it was great to have a good support network and supervisors and support from my managers,” she said. 

Her passions for the research topics and belief in what she was doing drove her on, but it was not just the PHD. 

“Seeing advanced cancer patients giving up their valuable time to help others and believe in me. That’s what kept me going,” she said.  

Cindy said meeting Professor Janette Vardy, oncologist and Sydney Cancer Survivorship Director, and her research team was fantastic and urged her to do more research again. She now works on clinical research and trials that provide access to new treatments for patients before they are otherwise available, to achieve better cancer outcomes. 

Her research journey was shared as a key presentation at the Sydney Local Health District 2024 Allied Health Research Conference. 

Allied Health clinicians from across the District gathered at Sydney Education to hear the latest in allied health research and innovation, from colleagues across hospitals and services and our University of Sydney partners. 

The program also featured presentations on heat-related illnesses, use of Artificial Intelligence in transforming patient care, the feasibility of clinical trials and audits, qualitative research, and the Allied Health Research and Education Partnership. 

The Allied Health Research Awards were also presented by Sarah Whitney, District Director of Allied Health, Professor Jennifer Alison, Professor Andrew Baillie, and handed out by Deb Willcox AM, District Chief Executive.  

Best abstract: Dr Rik Dawson, Physiotherapy, TOP UP evaluation: telephysiotherapy exercise intervention to increase mobility and reduce falls in aged care 

Best abstract: Kristy-Lee Raso, Dietetics, From principles to practice. Preparing patients for gastrointestinal cancer surgery (PREHABGI) 

Best oral presentation – Implementing Innovative Therapies: Feasibility and Clinical Trials: Dr Nicola Clayton, Speech Pathology, Early dysphagia rehabilitation in critical care: Establishing feasibility, safety and effectiveness of a strength-based dysphagia treatment protocol in ICU-acquired weakness 

Best oral presentation – Enhancing Healthcare through Audits: Lourdie Harb, Speech Pathology, Acquired Communication Disorders in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Stroke Patients in the Acute Hospital Setting: A Retrospective Chart Audit 

Best oral presentation – Advancing Patient Care through Assessment and Intervention: Lissa Spencer, Physiotherapy, Cognitive impairment is present in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 

Best oral presentation – Diverse Approaches in Clinical Research: Collette Menadue, Physiotherapy, Effect of heated humidification circuit type on pressure and tidal volume delivery during non-invasive ventilation: A benchtop study 

Best rapid presentation: Alice Melton, Dietetics, You are what you drink - thirst distress before surgery 

Best First Time Presenter: Mai-Linh Nguyen, Physiotherapy, Review of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital's pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes over the last five years 

Best First Time Presenter: Jack Reeves, Physiotherapy, A four-week program of pulmonary telerehabilitation for people with respiratory sequelae post-COVID - A randomised controlled trial 

“Allied health staff have something quite special, they’re quiet achievers, clever, innovative and do great stuff,” said Deb Willcox AM.