Sydney Health

Are you a health professional working with patients living with chronic or persistent pain?

Stay up to date with the latest advances in pain management by joining this immersive 3-day workshop with Sydney Health Executive Education. Expand your knowledge and enhance patient outcomes with cutting-edge pain management strategies.

Enrol today: https://health-exec-ed.sydney.edu.au/web/content/continuing-education/registration/sheed_event.aspx?EventKey=CSHEE2577

Australia is facing its worst diphtheria outbreak in decades, but experts say it’s not too late to turn it around.

Dr Archana Koirala from Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute at the University of Sydney and Dr Bianca Middleton from the Menzies School of Health Research in Darwin write for the Conversation that vaccines remain one of the most effective tools to curb the spread of this potentially deadly disease, as cases continue to rise across several states.

Once considered rare in Australia, diphtheria has re-emerged in communities where vaccination coverage has declined or immunity has waned, highlighting the ongoing importance of booster programs and equitable access to healthcare.

The analysis breaks down what’s driving the outbreak, why it matters now, and how targeted vaccination efforts could help protect communities most at risk.

Read more: https://go.sydney.edu.au/HHOKQF

A University of Sydney study shows rising trust in vaccines, but uptake still isn’t universal.

➡️ 62% plan to vaccinate, but many remain unsure
➡️ Past behaviour matters, those vaccinated before are far more likely to return
➡️ Cost, time and access continue to be key barriers
➡️ Perceived risk of flu is declining

Boosting vaccination rates isn’t just about awareness, it’s about trust, convenience, and reinforcing responsibility.
As flu cases rise, these behavioural insights are critical for more effective public health action.

Read more: https://go.sydney.edu.au/s8ISmH

The University of Sydney is driving meaningful change in medical education.

In an Australian first, the Doctor of Medicine will soon be available as a part-time study option, giving students greater flexibility to balance study with work, health, and caring responsibilities.

Launching in 2027, the program will initially allow students to complete Year 3 over two years, without compromising academic standards.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment to equity, inclusion, and widening participation in medicine, ensuring talented future doctors aren’t left behind due to life circumstances.

Read more: https://go.sydney.edu.au/sfQv1J

Congratulations to Professor Paul Martin from the Save Sight Institute who has been named a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science 🎉

Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science are among the nation’s most distinguished scientists, elected by their peers for groundbreaking research and contributions that have had clear impact.

👁️ Professor Martin's pioneering research has transformed our understanding of sight. His work shows how evolutionarily ancient visual pathways, that were considered vestigial in the brains of humans and monkeys, contribute to diverse and important visual functions such as colour vision and movement perception.

Read more: https://go.sydney.edu.au/FB3No2

Want to make an impact in the rural health space?

Find out more about our Doctor of Medicine Dubbo stream or follow the link in the comments: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/study-medicine-and-health/postgraduate-courses/doctor-of-medicine/dubbo-stream.html

Did you miss the Dubbo Stream 2027 Information Webinar?
👇 to access recording

Congratulations to Professor Khoon Lim from the University of Sydney School of Medical Science on being awarded ARC Linkage Project funding 🎉

The project "Light activated bioresins for high resolution biofabrication" is led by Professor Lim and will develop the advanced biologically-based resins for light-based biofabrication technologies.

The team will combine unique macromolecular chemistry and advanced cell characterisation technologies to develop the next-generation bioresins for light-based biofabrication technologies.

The success of this project will unlock next-generation applications in regenerative medicine and drug testing, positioning Australia at the forefront of biofabrication innovation.

Read more about the 16 University of Sydney research projects that secured a total funding of $8.6 million: https://go.sydney.edu.au/tIc6U0

University of Sydney Nano Institute

New research from the University of Sydney’s The Matilda Centre, published in Nature Human Behaviour, shows climate change is eroding social connection at a time when it’s needed most. From heatwaves pushing people indoors to disasters displacing communities, the impacts go beyond physical damage.

Led by Dr Marlee Bower, the study reveals a two-way relationship: as climate change weakens social ties, social disconnection reduces our ability to adapt and recover. It also highlights a growing “social health gap”, with those already facing disadvantage both more exposed to climate risks and less able to stay connected.

Researchers are calling for a shift in how we respond, arguing that social connection should no longer be treated as optional, but as essential infrastructure for climate resilience.

Read more: https://go.sydney.edu.au/ddd5F5

Happy International Nurses Day!

Today we celebrate the great contributions and compassion of all nurses around the world 🌏

This year marks a significant milestone, 35 years since nursing was established as an academic discipline and university degree at the University of Sydney.

"This moment represented more than a change in educational location; it affirmed nursing as a scholarly, ethical, and evidence‑informed profession grounded in critical thinking, leadership, and clinical effectiveness. By valuing nursing knowledge within the university, we continue to invest in our nurses, our future, recognising that empowered nurses, grounded in education and research save lives and who shape the health of individuals, communities, and systems." - Head of School and Dean of Sydney Nursing School, Professor Brendan McCormack

The University of Sydney Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery will continue to educate and nurture talented nurses through our world-class programs and academic expertise.

Find out more about our nursing degrees: https://go.sydney.edu.au/vLInyt

Image credits: University of Sydney Archives, REF-00097872