The Downstream Effect of My Left Lacunar Stroke.
A somewhat strange theme associated with my Stroke writings…but stay with me it will become clearer later in this epistle
Thrill Seekers and Fellow Time Travellers, Greetings.in late 2023 I attended a One Day Workshop conducted in trendy [but nice] downtown Newtown in Sydney.
I was invited by an organisation to join their Steering Committee in order to assess funding proposals for a number of clinical trials and research projects proposed for the Australian medical space.
The Workshop – In more Detail.
The research proposals that were considered at the Workshop were diverse in nature and impacted a wide range of clinical opportunities and challenges that currently exist within the field of clinical research in Australia.
The day was spent discussing and assessing in detail each of these proposals and subsequently it was decided that these of these proposals were to be submitted to this organization's Executive Committee for funding consideration.
Why am I telling you this, Gang
I'm writing this is because during the day in a quiet moment I could only sit and wonder about how far I have travelled in terms of my involvement in the field of clinical research,
The “Downstream Effect” of My Stroke
First a definition of the expression “Downstream Effect” in the context of this Workshop
Downstream Effect can be defined as - A consequence, result or outcome that results from an action, event, or decision. In my context I was thinking about my stroke in 2016.
This expression "Downstream Effect” entered my mind during the Workshop and it caused me to stop and ponder about how far I have grown in terms of my involvement in the clinical research space since my episode in 2016.
My journey started seven years ago with an invitation from Doctor Simone Dorsch to speak to her Final Year Physiotherapy students at the Australian Catholic University, North Sydney Campus about my stroke story.
From that engagement my activity has grown into the level of activity it is today - my daughter recently said the I should hire a PA to manage my diary.
I have been involved in numerous clinical trials, both as a Consumer and an Investigator, online webinars on neuroplasticity; discussion/focus groups, spoken to over one thousand student clinicians at 3 universities, drafted grant applications, developed survey questions, communication protocols for consumer recruitment for clinical trial and created more than 75 blogs on stroke related issues.
Why this workshop?
What appealed to me about this workshop was I could utilise my management consulting experience, my critical thinking expertise and strategic planning skills which would be relevant at this workshop.
What has also helped me has been the respect and welcoming attitude of the people I have met and worked with along the way.
You know who I am referring to- I won’t embarrass you- not this time anyway!
As I reflected quietly It truly has been an amazing journey – But Thrill Seekers and Fellow Time Travellers, this blog is not intended to be indulgent by any means.
I don't wish it to be!
But merely an indication of how if you really want to, you can get involved and make a difference, not just to stroke but to other areas as well!
My Key Message to Stroke Survivors.
Opportunities are available to you if you want to get involved in research.
Simply click on Stroke Foundation-Research and you will find details on research projects that are seeking your assistance
You will never know where the journey will take you!
I am living proof of that and the satisfaction that I derive from these activities is something that I could never have imagined.