RACP NSW Health Sustainability in Medicine Research Fellowship 2025
Not offered for 2026.
The RACP Foundation and NSW Health are partnering to deliver a flexible, part-time research fellowship in environmentally sustainable medicine.
Leveraging the success of the NSW Health Net Zero Leads program, the fellowship is designed to support action research on sustainability initiatives within the health sector.
Value: $75,000 per annum for 2 years, with additional in-kind resources provided by NSW Health.
2025 RACP NSW Health Sustainability in Medicine Research Fellowship ($148,000)
Recipient: Dr Priyadarshini Chari
Project: Sustainable models of care
Dr Priyadarshini (Priya) Chari is an experienced Rehabilitation Medical and Peri-Operative Care Physician specializing in spinal cord injury, multi-trauma, and chronic complex care. Priya is currently a Senior Staff Specialist at the Spinal Cord Injuries Unit at Royal North Shore Hospital and a Visiting Medical officer at North Shore Private and Northern Specialist Centre in Sydney.
Priya has spearheaded numerous initiatives to enhance patient care, including the introduction of telehealth models in spinal plastics clinics, redesigning sexuality and fertility clinics, and implementing a perioperative optimization model. Priya’s work in quality improvement and patient-centered initiatives was recognized as a finalist for NSLHD delivering value-based care and ACHS healthcare measurement awards in 2023.
In addition to clinical duties, Priya has played a pivotal role in interdisciplinary collaboration and service enhancement, securing additional funding for staffing and resources. Priya is an active member of the NSLHD Planetary Health and Chair of the RNSH Spinal Green Team (2024), and served on the RNSH Clinical Council since 2023.
Priya is currently pursuing a research degree with the University of Sydney to inform sustainability in models of care in chronic diseases.
Eligibility
Essential
- Fellows or trainees of the RACP
- Current NSW Health employees, residing in NSW
- Endorsement from organisational leadership (e.g., direct line manager, Head of Department, General Manager, or Chief Executive Officer)
- Hold current registration and be in good standing with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
- Research skills and/or experience in epidemiology, study design, quality improvement, measurement, evaluation, and/or other relevant healthcare disciplines
Desirable
- Demonstrable interest in high quality, low carbon healthcare and commitment to service development and improvement
- An identified net zero project proposal that addresses a carbon hotspot and would have impactful health, environmental, and financial benefits
- Demonstrable experience in engaging effectively with colleagues and stakeholders, and in establishing and maintaining clinical networks
- Demonstrable leadership skills and capabilities
Read the terms and conditions
Selection process
Those shortlisted will be invited to submit a detailed application through the RACP Foundation online Grants management system powered by SmartyGrants.
Shortlisted applications will be assessed by a panel comprising members of the College Grants Advisory Committee and representatives of NSW Health.
The College Conflicts Of Interest Policy (PDF) and Privacy Policy apply to all applicants and the recipient.
For enquiries about the NSW Health NetZero Program, email: moh-netzero@health.nsw.gov.au
This Fellowship is supported by a generous bequest from the estate of Dr Robert Scot-Skirving