My 2024 in Review.....
As we are soon to pass from 2024 into 2025, I like to spend a certain amount of my time looking back on the year that is about to pass.
And reflect upon the activities that have occupied my days, especially the wide range of stroke related activities
I must admit I'm pretty chuffed at what I've managed to achieve - it's almost a full-time job and the initial scope of my activities has morphed into activities that are far more reaching in nature than I ever could have imagined.
I am still deriving degrees of satisfaction that I never thought possible. So I thought I'd share with you a summary of what has been occupying my days in 2024.
2024 has been a plethora of Panels… Conferences… Projects....Educating and Prose…
That’s right, suddenly I am in demand to appear on Panels at Stroke related conferences [both in person and online], an activity that I relished - both to espouse my Lived Experience and to meet some long-standing digital acquaintances.
I am/was blown away with these opportunities. Allow me to explain and expand….
Asia Pacific Stroke Conference ---Adelaide - September 2024.
I had the privilege of attending \{at the invitation of Liz Murphy, CEO of Stroke Foundation\} and to be a Panel Member at the Asia Pacific Stroke Conference held in Adelaide in September 2024.
The panel's title was - Redefining Obesity: Shifting Perspectives and Changing the Narrative. The objective was to redefine the narrative around obesity.
The other highlight of attending this Conference was to meet \{face to face\} many of my amazing stroke friends and collaborators whom I have been working with via ZOOM for the past seven years.
People like - Professor Coralie English, Karly Zacharia, Brooke Parsons, Brenda Booth, Emily Ramage, Adrian O'Malley, Dawn Simpson, Sharon Kramer.
National HREC \{Human Research Ethics Committees\} Conference in Brisbane - November 2024.
In November 2024 together with Penelope Jane McMillan, a fellow stroke survivor I had the privilege and opportunity to present to the National HREC \{Human Research Ethics Committees\} Conference in Brisbane.
The 15-minute on-line presentation was titled “Lived Experience and the HREC Review Process - Opportunities" and outlined the importance of Lived Experience in the research protocols.
Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs) review research proposals involving human participants to ensure that they are ethically acceptable. There are approximately 200 HRECs in research organizations across Australia.
There was according to the ZOOM counter a worldwide audience of over 700 at the time of our presentation.
I hope that you find the presentation of interest - “Lived Experience and the HREC Review Process – Opportunities.
Pressure Wise Webinar -Sydney University -November 2024.
A webinar conducted by Hypertension Australia, supported by the Heart Foundation, the Stroke Foundation, and Sydney University in November 2024
This was an online educational event to learn about high blood pressure, its complications (i.e. heart attack and stroke) ,and how to manage your high blood pressure.
I was the Consumer Representative on the Webinar Panel, and my invitation came as a result of my involvement in their Blood Pressure Toolkit Project.
My Lecturing to Student Physios.
This year, 2024 marked the eighth consecutive year that at the invitation of Associate Professor Simone Dorsch, I had the privilege of lecturing student physios at the Australian Catholic University at the North Sydney, Ballarat ,and Brisbane campuses.
I also addressed students at the University of Newcastle for the second consecutive year and the reception from all students has been quite amazing
I have links here to two blogs I have written which detail the feedback I received and the second blog which details the Top Ten or So Questions I have been asked.
I estimate that I have spoken with almost 2,000 students in what I regard as a singular honour.
My Eighth Anniversary of my Discharge-11 August 2024
Each year on the anniversary of my discharge from Bankstown Hospital I compose a special blog which records my progress to date.
The George Institute for Global Health - Australia.
I was invited to be a Foundation member of the Consumer & Community Advisory Group which was formed in December 2022. I was elected the Inaugural Chair of the Consumer & Community Advisory Group in December 2022- A position I held for 1 year.
Along with other members, my contract was extended for a further 12 months till December 2024. During his term as a member of the CCAG, the main purpose was to develop policy and operating protocols for the Group’s objectives.
In December 2023 I stood aside from the CCAG, however I am still involved with The George Institute as a Consumer Representative on The Brain Health Program and is now actively involved in three projects.
University of East Anglia, Norfolk UK.
I am currently involved in two clinical trials at this University, both dealing with PSE \{Post Stroke Emotionalism], which I have Lived Experience.
Well Gang, what have I got planned for 2025?
You guessed it! - MORE OF THE SAME!
Brian A Beh - A Stroke Survivor.