Epidemiology
noun
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late 19th century:
from Greek epidÄ“mia ‘prevalence of disease’ + -logy.
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the branch of medicine which deals with the incidence, distribution, and possible control of diseases and other factors relating to health.
ABOUT
Dr Richard Clark is a well-qualified and experienced medicolegal epidemiologist and
health scientist experienced in Australian private and public health settings.
He brings substantial experience gained in general and clinical epidemiology, patient safety and evidence for best clinical practice. Richard can also demonstrate a high-level research and evaluation skills, with exceptional comprehension of both quantitative and qualitative data.
Additionally, he has extensive experience in systematic reviews of medical and scientific evidence and report writing.
Following an early career in medical science, Richard has an MPH and doctorate in epidemiology.
He is a graduate of the Victorian Public Health Training Scheme where he became established working in infectious diseases, with the Chief Health Officer,
in environmental health and conducting community health surveys, e.g. represented
Victoria on the National Lead Survey.
Richard has also managed health quality improvement and health economics projects demonstrating an exceptional combination of data analysis and knowledge about the Australian healthcare system.
PROFESSIONAL CAPABILITY
A major emphasis of Richard’s work is the collection, analysis and conversion of data into high quality, useful information to support informed, evidence-based decision making.
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A common thread in all projects and programs managed has been consultation with a wide range of key stakeholders including senior clinicians, health sector management, leading scientific and professional experts, and consumers to
clarify issues and positions, as well as the negotiation of often differing perspectives into a consensus for action.
HISTORY
Health FX was established in 2011 in response to requests for assistance from epidemiological input into medical indemnity database design and provision of expert witness reports. In 2013 a working relationship was begun with a Commonwealth Department which endures successfully until now. The business was incorporated under Richard Bertrand Clark Pty Ltd in 2017 and continues to trade as Health FX.
Health FX aims to provide independent and unbiased epidemiological advice for government and legal clients across Australia.
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Medico-legal opinions and technical reports are provided without prejudice,
on-time and on budget.
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CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
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Creating a dataset to inform the first Australian diagnostic algorithm for hepatitis C;
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Conducting research to inform the National Road Safety Strategy leading to reducing speed limits near schools and widespread application of highway ripple strips;
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Co-authoring the Victorian Food and Nutrition Policy and Implementation Strategy;
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Working with remote indigenous communities to discover that the Central Australian Population had the highest incidence of End-Stage Renal Disease in the world;
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Conducting CATI surveys in the age where people relied on household landlines.
QUALIFICATIONS
Postgraduate:
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2002 Doctor of Health Science (DHSc), Deakin University.
Research project: National survey of consumer participation in medical decision-making and self-reported medical adverse events.
Project funded ($60k) by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, National Health Priorities and Quality Branch.
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1997 Master of Public Health (MPH), Monash University.
Undergraduate: -
B.Sc. - Australian National University. Double major: Biochemistry and Physiology
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Current Memberships:
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Influenza Specialist Group – ISG
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The Medico-Legal Society of Victoria – MLSV
www.mlsv.org.au
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Australasian Epidemiological Association
- Council Member 2007-2011
ACHIEVEMENTS
COMPETANCIES
CAPABILITY
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Over 10 years successful activity in health systems outcomes research and data management
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Experience working with academic institutions, business, state and Commonwealth Governments
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Consultancy experience; project and financial management including government and academic projects
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Highly motivated and enthusiastic in building working relationships with key stakeholders in health settings
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Demonstrable skills in health policy and research project management and collaboration
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Contemporary experience interacting with national opinion leaders in the health sector
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Highly professional approach to work with well-developed communication and interpersonal skills
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Capacity to deliver information clearly, precisely and persuasively; excellent writing and presentation skills
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Health research project management: health research and evaluation methods, including health economics
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Senior professional and academic responsibilities (to Principal Research Fellow level)
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High level data analysis including epidemiology, biostatistics, taxonomy and health economics experience
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Medico-legal experience
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Laboratory and Health care experience including >5 years as medical scientist
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Highly developed capacities using project management, office and statistical software (Windows and Mac)