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Doctor's Ride For Research

Story: Alyssa Mackay
Published On : Apr 23, 2021
Doctor
A doctor from Redcliffe Hospital is cycling 2500 kilometres, from Cairns to Redcliffe, as part of a fundraising mission called Raise it for Redcliffe.

Director of Research and Medical Education Dr Joel Dulhunty and his wife started the ride on 13 March and will finish their 40-day journey when they arrive at the Redcliffe Hospital on 4 May.

Joel said Raise it for Redcliffe was a partnership between Redcliffe Hospital and the RBWH Foundation, and was about how individuals and the community could support the hospital to do amazing things above and beyond its core business.

It's a way the community can give back to the hospital,¯ Joel said. Every dollar that's donated goes back to Redcliffe Hospital and is used to benefit either patients or staff, and staff well-being.¯

Joel said his goal was to raise $120,000 for a three-year research position, which would enable a clinical researcher from one of the hospital's partner universities to be based at Redcliffe Hospital for one or two days per week.

In terms of our research strategy, we focus on research that aligns with our core business ' care of elderly patients, newborns, mums, and patients coming through the emergency department or in our ICU,¯ Joel said.

Part of this position is bringing external expertise into our team to undertake research that is relevant to our patients and community.¯

Joel said he had made a personal commitment to give back to the hospital by pledging a dollar for every kilometre he rides.

Both keen cyclists, Joel and his wife decided to take the trip because they had long service leave.

We love long-distance cycling,¯ he said. This is the longest trip we'll do in a go, but we've cycled many places around the world and in Australia.¯

Joel has worked at Redcliffe Hospital for 10 years and said it was a fantastic place to work with a very clear mission about care for people.

In part of my role, it's about mentorship to staff in research activities," he said. "In another part, it's supporting junior doctors in their training and learning, and both of those I find really rewarding activities.¯ 

To donate go to: fundraise.rbwhfoundation.co...