RPA’s Institute for Academic Medicine is driving innovation through research and collaboration.
 

RPA’s Institute for Academic Medicine (IAM) has hosted its first Accelerate event for 2025, highlighting the impactful research led by RPA clinicians and encouraging younger clinicians to consider pursuing research. 

The event featured internationally recognised researchers, providing a platform to share their insights and inspire the new researchers in our District, and featured innovations in patient care.  

Dr David Celermajer AO, Scandrett Professor of Cardiology at the University of Sydney and Head of Cardiology at RPA, opened the session with his presentation, IAM Pearls – What I Have Loved Most in Research.  

He shared insights from his extensive career, reflecting on the challenges and rewards of research and highlighting the importance of collaboration, mentoring and resilience. 

“Research isn’t always the easiest path. It can be very demanding. But when you do it right, it’s incredibly fulfilling,” he said.  

Professor of Wound Care and Skin Integrity for Sydney Local Health District and the University of Sydney, Michelle Barakat-Johnson spoke about the importance of professional connections in research.  

She shared insights from her academic career and highlighted how the Institute bridges research and clinical practice to improve patient care worldwide. 

“The Tissue Repair Institute, which is being established at Sydney Local Health District, is about more than research – it’s about applying real-world insights to continuously improve treatments,” Professor Barakat-Johnson said. 

“Collaboration is key and by connecting clinicians with hands-on experience in clinics, we can refine best practices and enhance patient outcomes.” 

Participants were encouraged to join the Research Education Masterclass Program and connect with the Institute for Academic Medicine, which supports professional development, research capacity building and strategic collaboration.