Short bio
My vision is that all Australians are supported by a health care system that allows them to reach their full potential in life. This will be achieved by making nutrition a prominent part of the ongoing care provided to people in the primary care setting - the first point of contact with the health care system. I believe we should capitalise on the potential of primary care health professionals to support patients to eat well, including doctors, nurses, dietitians, nutritionists, pharmacy, other allied health and even personal trainers and health food store workers. All patients deserve individualised, respectful and evidence-based nutrition care.
I work with community members, health professionals, education providers and professional bodies to conduct research on how patients can be better supported in primary care to eat well. I implement interventions and programs so that health professionals feel confident in nutrition and have the skills to best meet patients' needs. I also work with Primary Health Networks to better understand how primary care services can be reoriented to put nutrition and other lifestyle behaviours at the forefront of the health care system.
I have published over 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles and attracted over AU$13 million in research funding from government bodies, non-government organisations and philanthropic foundations. I am Principal Research Fellow at Griffith University with strong external funding support including an NHMRC Investigator Grant (EL2). I am Associate Editor for the Australian Journal of Primary Health and Family Practice journal, as well as Executive Committee Member of the Australasian Association for Academics in Primary Care.
Do you share my vision? I welcome your contact at l.ball@griffith.edu.au.
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