Cerebral Palsy Alliance announces successful applicants for the 2024 Clinician-Researcher Fellowship program

Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA) is proud to announce the successful applicants for the 2024 Clinician-Researcher Fellowship program, an initiative that differentiates CPA as a leading provider of innovation and development opportunities for clinicians.

This program, which runs for 12 to 18 months, offers clinicians the chance to engage in groundbreaking research alongside world-renowned CP researchers, furthering their expertise and contributing to the advancement of cerebral palsy treatment and care. 

The Clinician-Researcher Fellowship program is one of CPA’s commitments to professional development, research excellence, and attracting top talent in the field of cerebral palsy.  

CPA enhances the skills of its clinicians through collaboration with the research team to ensure the latest scientific findings are translated into clinical practice – ultimately improving outcomes for individuals living with cerebral palsy. 

This year’s successful fellows have demonstrated exceptional dedication to both clinical practice and research. Their participation in the program will allow them to work closely with CPA’s world-leading researchers, gaining invaluable experience and contributing to important studies that have the potential to transform the lives of those with cerebral palsy. 

Clinician-Researcher Fellowship program highlights: 

  • Professional development: The new fellows will spend 12-18 months immersed in research, with mentorship from top CP researchers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to become leaders in the field. 
  • Innovation in practice: The program bridges the gap between clinical practice and research, ensuring that CPA remains at the forefront of cerebral palsy treatment and care. 
  • Attracting talent: By showcasing the opportunities available through this fellowship, CPA aims to attract and retain the best and brightest clinicians, reinforcing its position as a provider of choice. 

 

CPA practices a culture of continuous learning and professional growth, and we encourage all CPA – and external – clinicians to consider taking part. 

To learn more about this year’s successful applicants please see below chart. 

Successful applicants: 

ProjectResearch SupervisorsFellowRoleSite
The Australian Cerebral Palsy Register: Critiquing and identifying contemporary analysis techniques and conducting trends analyses for a new cohort (up to birth year 2018)Dr Hayley Smithers-Sheedy, Emma Waight, Annabel Webb, Prof Sarah McIntyreAaryana SOOSAIPILLAISenior PhysiotherapistKingswood
Implementation strategies to support accessible play for children with severe cerebral palsy – TechToys 2.0Dr Petra Karlsson, Dr Annemarie MurphyMelinda CONROYSenior Occupational TherapistPrairiewood
Focussing on children with high support needs: epidemiology and ‘awesomeness’Dr Shona Goldsmith, Prof Sarah McIntyreChrissie MACDONALDClinical Educator (Physiotherapy)Penshurst
Effectiveness of Dynamic Tactile Temporal Cueing in improving speech and communicative participation in children with cerebral palsy: a pilot single case experimental studyDr Johanna Korkalainen, Prof Tricia McCabe (USyd)Ronda SHEHATAClinical Educator (Speech Pathology)Allambie Heights
SQUIDLY – novel telehealth platform for AAC usersDr Petra Karlsson, Dr Annemarie MurphyBrandon YEOSpeech PathologistCanberra
CIMT-Leg: Constraint Induced Movement Therapy for the lower extremity for children with unilateral cerebral palsy - a pilot studyDr Sarah Reedman, Eliza ColliernNicki STUARTSenior PhysiotherapistEast Maitland