Flinders University’s College of Medicine and Public Health (CMPH) recently held its annual retreat at the Stamford Grand in Glenelg on 24th May and 25th May 2023. Watch session recordings

The retreat brought together around 180 attendees on the first day and 160 on the second day, including SALHN Executives, MPH academic and professional staff, members of the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI) Consumer Advisory Board (CAB), and external university partners and executives. Members of the College from various rural and remote locations, such as Mt Gambier, the Barossa, Victor Harbour, Alice Springs, and Darwin also had the opportunity to tune in remotely.

Day One

The retreat kicked off with a traditional welcome to Country and Acknowledgement by Flinders Alumni Ashum Yarlupina Owen from Ngangki Warra, setting an inclusive tone for the event. Throughout the two-day retreat, a series of sessions were conducted to address important topics and foster a united vision among staff and stakeholders.

State of the College

Vice-President and Executive Dean, Jonathan Craig, delivered the opening session, providing an overview of the college’s strategic direction, priorities, critical areas of work, and the challenges and opportunities ahead. This session aimed to align the participants’ perspectives and lay the foundation for the retreat. Watch recorded session

Ways of working: Promoting a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusivity

The second session of the day, led by Anna Lee, gave participants the opportunity to explore the influence of biases on perceptions, relationships, and decision-making. They learned about the in-group effect and how to minimize its impact. Anna Ziersch from the College Gender Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (GIDE) Committee facilitated a discussion on Reconciliation Action Plan initiatives, while Billingsley Kaambwa facilitated a panel of participants (pictured above: Kim Hemsley, Jonathan Craig, James Smith, and Michael Michael) shared insights from the reverse mentoring program. Watch recorded session

Reflexivity as a method to make space for equity, diversity, and inclusion at Flinders University

The day continued with a session led by Koshila Kumar, Annabelle Wilson, and Amy Hickman. Attendees were encouraged to reflect on their own values, beliefs, and perspectives to foster effective collaboration with diversity and inclusion in their work. The session complemented the CMPH strategic vision, the work of the GIDE Committee, the university’s commitment to the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and the broader aspirations of the university community. Watch recorded session

Research impact and community engagement

The final session of the day featured presentations by Peter Eastwood and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Robert Saint, who discussed Flinders’ research growth and the future landscape. Following this, various researchers within the college shared quick-fire examples of research impact:

• “Informing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research agenda: What’s data got to do with it?” Presented by Kalinda Griffiths
• “Can the microbiota be targeted to enhance optimal responses to vaccination in vulnerable populations? – The long road to impact.” Presented by David Lynn
• “Development of treatments for childhood dementia.” Presented by Kim Hemsley
• “Circadian lighting to accelerate body-clock adjustment to submariner shift work.” Presented by Peter Catcheside

The session also introduced Consumer and Community Involvement (CCI) in research, with interactive group discussions facilitated by Chris Trethewey, Kate Laver, and the FHMRI Consumer Advisory Board. Watch recorded session

Day Two

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research and education: What does a potential ‘Voice to Parliament’ mean for our work?

POCHE Director Kalinda Griffiths led the first session of day two, providing background information on the Voice to Parliament concept and insights from key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders. The session included a panel discussion with Dean of Rural and Remote Health Robyn Aitken, Lecturer in Rural and Remote Mental Health Uncle David Copley, and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Simone Tur, offering diverse perspectives on the topic. Watch recorded session

 

CMPH Strategic Plan 2023 – 2028: Goals and initiatives, now and into the future

Rebecca Christianson then led a conversation on the future strategic direction of MPH. Attendees were encouraged to understand the draft strategic goals and align their current and future activities accordingly. Watch recorded session

I’m a Course Coordinator, get me out of here!

After a stimulating morning, selected course coordinators participated in an interactive session called “I’m a Course Coordinator, get me out of here!” They presented their respective courses to the audience, who brainstormed ideas to expand and broaden educational offerings in the college. Paramedicine’s Brad Mitchell emerged as the victor by popular vote. Watch recorded session

CMPH Strategic Plan – Investing in our priorities

The formal aspect of the retreat concluded with a session on “CMPH Strategic Plan – Investing in our priorities.” Rebecca Christianson guided the attendees in understanding various strategic goals, initiatives, and activities, encouraging them to prioritize and provide input on core areas for the future strategic plan. The insights gathered during this session will inform the development of working groups. Watch recorded session

To wrap up the retreat, a networking session was held, providing an opportunity for staff to connect and socialize with post-event drinks in the ballroom foyer. This informal gathering allowed participants to further build relationships and strengthen the sense of community within the CMPH.

The 2023 College Retreat for Flinders University’s College of Medicine and Public Health proved to be a successful event, promoting a united vision, and fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The sessions covered a range of topics, from the state of the college to research impact, community engagement, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research, and strategic planning. With the valuable insights gained from the Retreat, the college is well-positioned to address future challenges and seize opportunities in its pursuit of excellence in medicine and public health.