Where are they now… Jason Pereira
In 2022, Jason Pereira won the Henrietta Law Memorial Prize for Best Novice Allied Health Research.
Henrietta Law was a Physiotherapist at The Alfred for 18 years from 1988 and until her death in 2006. Henrietta was a great contributor to robust discussion about best practice and improving practical interventions for burn patients and she was a strong advocate for burn patients.
We caught up with Jason to find out where he’s taken that research and what he’s up to now.
Can you explain the research that won the Henrietta Law award?
Our research focused on how we could better help patients who've had multiple traumatic injuries, particularly when they're not allowed to put any weight through their injured limbs. These cases are complex for both the patients and the healthcare teams trying to provide the best care. Our study, which was part of a larger project looking at a new allied health model of care (AHMOC) on the trauma ward at The Alfred, aimed to understand where these patients went after leaving hospital, what their long-term recovery looked like, and what factors played a role in their outcomes.
What did you then go on to achieve with this research?
This research has been presented at several national conferences and has enhanced our understanding of how to manage patients with multiple traumatic injuries. Importantly, this work has directly supported our new AHMOC which aims to optimise recovery for patients through early and intensive allied health therapy. My colleagues are now reviewing and analysing updated data, including comparisons with other datasets, to identify additional 6–12-month patient outcomes. The results of this initiative align with other similar projects across our AHMOC demonstrating improved outcomes for our patients and health services.
What did it mean to you to win this award?
I was deeply honoured to receive the Henrietta Law Memorial Prize. Henrietta was an exceptional figure within our physiotherapy department, widely recognised as a brilliant clinician, dedicated researcher, and a valued colleague. Seeing her lasting legacy and the profound influence she had on her peers has been a strong motivator for me to explore additional opportunities in research and implementation science.
What is your current role?
I'm currently the Quality Improvement Lead in the Physiotherapy Department at Alfred Health. This role builds directly on my previous experience as a clinician and in leading service improvement initiatives at Safer Care Victoria, allowing me to apply those skills to improve physiotherapy service provision across the organisation.
What do you aspire to achieve career-wise?
My passion in healthcare revolves around improving patient outcomes by ensuring we apply the latest evidence-based practices. Having gained exposure to both research and implementation science, I'm driven to work in roles that bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and real-world clinical application. I enjoy leading service improvement and fostering collaboration between healthcare professionals and consumers to create positive change.
Do you think this is a great place to establish a long career in research?
Yes, I feel incredibly lucky to have started my professional career here. Exposure to a wide range of clinical services, resources, and research experts create a strong environment for aspiring and long term researchers. I admire the organisation's dedication to clinical excellence which encourages a proactive approach to research and the continuous pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
