High Achiever Welcomed to Leading Western Australian Ageing Research Centre

February 9th, 2011 - Media Statement

The Western Australian Centre for Health and Ageing welcomes a high achiever into its ranks.

Dr Kathleen Potter has been awarded the National Health and Medical Research Council's (NHMRC) Practitioner Fellowship, a prestigious and highly competitive award.

According to the NHMRC recipients of this sought after award are generally in the top ten per cent of their field of research.

"I was thrilled to receive this award. This fellowship will establish my research credentials and also allow me to contribute to better care for many older people," says Dr Potter, NHMRC Fellow.

"Working in general practice has made me aware of the urgent need for quality primary care research."

"There is a real and urgent need for expertise in the field of health and ageing, and we are delighted to welcome Dr Potter," said Research Director Professor Osvaldo Almeida.

"She has an impressive track record and will be a real asset to the Centre."

The number of older people in Australia is increasing. More than 13% of Australians are aged 65 years or over. Within fifty years this group will represent 25% of the population.

She completed her medical training in New Zealand before settling in Perth in 2001, where she worked in Emergency medicine prior to completing a PhD at the University of Western Australia. She currently works as a General Practitioner in country Western Australia.

In recent years she has won several competitive grants and published numerous peer-reviewed papers.

Dr Potter will be based in the Midwest and will conduct her research from there whilst continuing in her role as a General Practitioner.

For more information please contact:

Christianne White (WA Centre for Health and Ageing)
Office: 9224 2993