Monthly Updates - October 2024
Welcome 

Dear Colleague, 

Welcome to the October edition of the SOLVE-CHD monthly updates 2024. This monthly e-newsletter will keep you up to date with the key progress of the SOLVE-CHD projects and provide updates on our events and initiatives. Simply 
email solve-chd.info@sydney.edu.au if you wish to share/add anything from your area that is directly/indirectly related to the SOLVE-CHD program. We would also strongly encourage you to share your research highlights and successes that is relevant to cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention with us so that we can celebrate your achievements with our network. 
Key Updates and Highlights

  • A new article featuring Prof Julie Redfern, 'Why heart attack survivors need to take back control of their health', was recently published by Bond University. Read it here for an insightful and succinct overview on her mission to positively transform cardiac rehabilitation through SOLVE-CHD.

  • The first round EOI of ACRA-Funded ICCPR CRFC closed on 31st August 2024. Eligible ACRA members will be able to complete the training for free. 2nd Round is now open and will close on 30th Nov. Click here to find out more. 

  • The SOLVE-CHD Project Showcase 2024 will take place on Thursday, 21st November via Zoom 1:00 - 2:30pm (AEDT) Register now to secure your spot! 

  • The SOLVE-CHD Peer Support Project Heart2Heart trial is now recruiting! Participants will have access to a specially designed digital app aimed at fostering social connections for those recently diagnosed with any type of heart disease. Learn more or sign up for the study now to help make a difference!
Special congratulations go out to the following
SOLVE-CHD members:

Dr. Ling Zhang Represents Australia at the Global Cardiovascular Nursing Leadership Forum
The fifth in-person meeting of the Global Cardiovascular Nursing Leadership Forum (GCNLF) was held from October 9-11 in Budapest, Hungary. Over 20 leading cardiovascular nursing experts from around the world came together to address challenges in cardiovascular prevention and management, and to propose actionable solutions. SOLVE-CHD Postdoctoral Researcher Dr. Ling Zhang proudly represented Australia at this important global forum. We look forward to hearing more about her experience and insights.

World Heart Day 2024 Wrapping Up


In celebration of World Heart Day 2024, SOLVE-CHD organized a series of impactful events across Australia, both online and in person, to raise awareness about heart health.
University of Sydney Student Engagement: More than 300 students and community members took part in heart-healthy activities, CPR lessons, and fun competitions. The event, hosted with the Cardiovascular Initiative and Westmead Applied Research Centre, was a huge success in spreading life-saving knowledge. Click here for more details 
National Webinar: Professor Julie Redfern was invited by NHMRC's Speaking of Science series to discuss the transformative impact of her research under the SOLVE-CHD Synergy grant. Her work is reshaping how Australians are supported and cared for after cardiovascular events. Over 100 attendees joined to learn about the critical efforts in bridging the gap between research and practice. Missed it? You can watch the recording here.
Community Outreach in Rural Australia: In collaboration with the WA Centre for Rural Health, SOLVE-CHD held health screenings and educational sessions in Geraldton and Carnarvon. Over 100 community members engaged in activities that empowered them to take charge of their heart health.
Digital Campaign Success:
SOLVE-CHD’s World Heart Day social media campaign reached over 10,000 views, further spreading the message of heart health awareness.
Together, these efforts made a significant impact, encouraging communities across Australia to take action for a healthier heart.
SOLVE-CHD Spotlight
Meet our team with a mini Q&A!

Dion Candelaria

Dion is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at The University of Sydney. His research is centered on empowering patients to prevent future cardiovascular events through innovative approaches in secondary prevention and cardiac rehabilitation. He is dedicated to enhancing the quality and impact of cardiac rehabilitation services, ensuring they are designed and delivered to optimise patient care and drive better health outcomes.
What is your favourite thing about your role?
As a Postdoc, my favourite thing about this role is the opportunity to grow into the kind of researcher I aspire to be. Being surrounded by so many incredible researchers with their unique styles is inspiring—it really helps shape my own approach and gives me a sense of who I want to be like in my work.
What are you working on at the moment?
I am currently leading/managing the QUICR (Quality Improvement in Cardiac Rehabilitation) cluster trial (40 sites across NSW and VIC). We are now in the intervention period, so that is really exciting.
Why is this project especially interesting or important to you?
This project has been interesting because I've gained so much insight into project and trial management. Navigating the ethics and governance at multiple sites across jurisdictions has been a significant learning experience in itself—it’s been quite an undertaking! It also opens exciting opportunities for future projects and research.
What do you like most about SOLVE-CHD?
What I love most about SOLVE-CHD is the strong sense of community it fosters. It's great to be part of a group that includes both early-career researchers and experienced mentors. I've had so many fun experiences with fellow SOLVE ECRs, but the annual retreat always stands out, and I have to say, the way we ‘invade’ conferences together is a real highlight too!
What is a recent achievement you’re proud of?
On my recent trip to Norway, I ended up swimming (okay, more like being convinced to swim) in the fjord to get the full Norwegian experience. I’ve got to say, that's a pretty cool achievement if I do say so myself!
What do you like to do outside of research?
Outside research, I like hanging out with friends. Nothing beats good food (and drinks) with good company.
Events and Opportunities 
Are you keen to improve support for breast cancer survivors in your practice? Dr Anna Singleton from the University of Sydney is leading a new wellness initiative that may help. It’s simple, evidence-based, and requires minimal effort from the general practice team. Express your interest here: 
I'm interested!
Find out more
Join the annual National Cardiovascular EMCR Summit.

Be inspired by:
  • Shifting gears to navigate your career path in research
  • Strategies for building your network
  • Impact stories that will motivate your next move
Register Now

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