Senior Lecturer, Monash Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University
Research focus: optimising self-management interventions for people with diabetes and kidney disease and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Dr Edward Zimbudzi is a recipient of a 2024 Early and Mid-Career Researcher Award for health services research. This award recognises early and mid-career researchers for excellence in their field. Monash Partners spoke to Edward upon accepting this award.
Can you tell us about yourself, your research and career journey to date?
I have over 20 years of clinical experience, primarily in kidney disease, and have held leadership roles in complex clinical settings, including managing a busy in-centre dialysis unit at Monash Health. My Master’s degree (2009-2011) focused on the use of interpreters for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. In 2019, I completed my PhD part-time, which was equivalent to 30 months of full-time study. My PhD research aimed at optimising self-management interventions for individuals with comorbid diabetes and chronic kidney disease. I transitioned to full-time academia in 2023 and currently serve as a Senior Lecturer at Monash Nursing and Midwifery.
Can you tell us about your achievements in the category of health services research?
My achievements in health services research stem from my PhD project which was supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council partnership grant. The project focused on optimising self-management interventions to improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with diabetes and CKD. Through this collaborative work, we codeveloped the first innovative Diabetes and Kidney Service in Australia, which was co-designed with patients and caregivers, General Practitioners, Endocrinologists, Nephrologists and patient advocacy groups such as Diabetes Australia and Kidney Health Australia. This service has been operational since 2016 and it has significantly improved the lives of people with diabetes and kidney disease.
My research identified subgroups of patients who struggle in engaging with their own health and health care, a concept known as ‘patient activation’. They include individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. My current research focuses on enhancing activation among individuals from CALD communities, addressing a significant research gap that aligns with the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care’s Primary Health Care 10-Year Plan (2022-2032), which aims to improve person-centered care through increased activation.
I have provided exceptional health services research mentorship to several novice researchers, resulting in multiple research outputs. Additionally, I contribute to the Monash Health Nephrology research agenda in my role as an Adjunct Research Fellow.
Why is support of early and mid-career researchers so important?
Early and mid-career researchers are at critical stages of their careers, often brimming with innovative research ideas but lacking the resources to execute their projects effectively. Without mentorship, funding, and the necessary support at this stage, it becomes challenging for them to advance in their careers. Most importantly, the competition for resources is intense, with even seasoned researchers facing difficulties. Research has shown that many talented early-career researchers are leaving academia or research fields due to a lack of resources, career development opportunities, or recognition. This trend is detrimental to our academic and research institutions.
What kind of support was the most beneficial to you/or you felt you needed as an early and mid-career researcher and what did it mean to you?
The most defining aspect of my career has been the presence of highly supportive mentors and supervisors. They fostered an environment that allowed me to effectively conduct my research, including securing funding for my projects. Currently, as an academic, Monash Nursing and Midwifery provides extensive resources to enhance the competitiveness of my grant applications. These resources include organising peer reviews of my applications and identifying relevant funding opportunities.
Why do you think awards like this are important for Early and Mid-Career Researchers?
These awards are very important as they recognise the significant research conducted by Early and Mid-Career Researchers. More importantly, they contribute to building a strong track record, which can open doors to further opportunities, such as securing grants and advancing in academic or professional promotions.
What are your future aspirations for your research/career?
My aspiration is to create a world-leading research program that equips individuals from CALD backgrounds with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage complex chronic diseases and navigate healthcare systems effectively. In addition, I aim to continue supporting Early and Mid-Career Researchers by providing them with both research expertise and the necessary resources.
