Professor Robyn Clark was recently awarded a $1 million grant to target the needs of people living with chronic disease in low socioeconomic neighbourhoods. We spoke with her about the impact her research is making – and why the people of Pinnaroo inspire her.

What is your role at Flinders?

I have a joint appointment as Professor of Acute Care and Cardiovascular Research in the Flinders University Caring Futures Institute and as Clinical Chair and Director of Nursing and Midwifery Research, Southern Adelaide Health Network (SALHN). I’m currently calling myself a “Flinders Precinct Prefect”.

Tell us about your journey to Flinders.

I was completing my NHMRC Training Fellowship at Queensland University of Technology when I was recruited as a strategic professor by Professor Paul Arbon, who was then Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery. At that time, I was the first nurse NHMRC Fellow to work in the Flinders University school of nursing and midwifery, and in 2016, I became the first nurse to win a Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellowship at Flinders University.

What do you love most about your work?

I love the sense of discovery around research and having an impact on improving the quality of care in evidence-based practice. I also love seeing the young women in my team (Early- and Mid-Career Researchers) thrive in the research environment and be successful. And I love the feeling when I see the look on a practicing nurse or midwife’s face when I’ve shone a light on an opportunity or give guidance for direction in a clinical research career path opportunity.

Who inspires you?

I’ve been privileged to have world leading nurses and doctors as my mentors and they have all inspired me from the beginning of my career. I’m also inspired by the people of the Mallee, especially the town of Pinnaroo, whose reliance and inspiring approach to owning the health and wellbeing of their community has improved outcomes and serves as an example to other towns. And Trey Parker and Matt Stone (creators of South Park), who have helped me to understand the meaning of life.

What are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of my fearless approach and success in the cold, hard ,competitive world of research, which has helped me make an impact on increasing ACCESS to evidence-based cardiovascular disease (CVD) care for under-serviced and disadvantaged populations. This includes population groups such as women, the elderly, rural and remote, those with low literacy and socioeconomic status, culturally diverse and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. But my proudest achievement is my two daughters – they are inspiring, strong women, amazing young mothers, very successful in their careers and will be leaders of the future.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I like to get out and about, whether for walks in beautiful Adelaide and its surrounds, or enjoying the incredible live music and theatre scene we have here. I used to play competitive tennis, but now I enjoy spectating at the grand slams. I also love babysitting, and spending time in the kitchen cooking a special occasion meal.