It's an honour

Deakin's Chair in Nursing (Barwon Health) Professor Trisha Dunning AM has been admitted to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women for her exceptional work towards improving the lives of people with diabetes.

The honour, announced in the lead up to International Women’s Day, acknowledges an outstanding career for Professor Dunning, who was made a Member of the Order of Australia for her contributions to diabetes and nursing in 2004.

"I am deeply honoured to be admitted to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women. I just do a job I love, and if it helps others that is a huge reward," said Professor Dunning.

Since becoming a diabetes educator in 1984, Professor Dunning has published several books and over 150 papers about diabetes. She is a board member of Diabetes Australia - Vic, a Vice-President of the International Diabetes Federation, and Director of the Centre for Nursing and Allied Health Research at Deakin and Barwon Health, where she provides academic, research and professional leadership to the students and staff of both organisations.

The Head of Deakin’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, Professor Maxine Duke, said that Professor Dunning’s rigorous research has significantly improved the experience of people living with diabetes.

"She is an exemplary role model for novice diabetes educators and budding researchers. The School is extremely proud to count her among our staff," said Professor Duke.

"Professor Dunning, as nurse and researcher, has built an outstanding reputation in the care of people with diabetes. Her practice as a diabetes educator, her research program and her prolific writing in the area of diabetes have positively affected the care of people with diabetes globally. Trisha's expertise is grounded in her warm, compassionate approach to patient and client care. Trisha lives the adage of patient-centred care in all areas of her work."

Professor Dunning pursues a wide range of diabetes-related research interests. These include: a focus on older people with diabetes and end-of-life care; diabetes self-care and health outcomes; holistic approaches to nursing management of people with diabetes; complementary therapies; and the management of medicines for the impact on health outcomes.

Barwon Health's Executive Director of Aged Care, Nursing and Midwifery, Dr Lucy Cuddihy, said the organisation was equally pleased to see Professor Dunning acknowledged in this way.

"Trisha's ability to translate very complex information into evidence-based practice for both health professionals and consumers showcases her dedication to improving the health outcomes of all Australians. Barwon Health is privileged to be able to share in Trisha’s journey as we both work towards building a healthier community," Dr Cuddihy said.