Recommendations from the 2023 National Cardiovascular Workforce Sustainability Summit have been released highlighting current challenges in career progression and retention in cardiovascular research.
The summit, convened by the Australian Cardiovascular Alliance (ACvA), the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, and the National Heart Foundation of Australia, was held to address critical issues threatening workforce sustainability within the cardiovascular research sector. It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from across the cardiovascular research landscape, including researchers at various career stages, clinicians, government, university and research institute representatives, and other key bodies such as peak professional societies and state-based cardiovascular and stroke networks. Together, they explored the sector’s long-term sustainability and discussed solutions to ensure a thriving cardiovascular research community in Australia.
Attendees identified three major challenges that hinder career advancement and workforce stability in cardiovascular research: wellbeing and career satisfaction, learning and development opportunities, and the allocation of resources. In addition, the need for greater collaboration and multidisciplinary approaches was underscored as essential to fostering a stronger, more sustainable sector.
“It’s vital that cardiovascular and stroke research remains a dynamic and impactful field. The summit allowed our research community to come together, identify key challenges, and propose actionable solutions for workforce sustainability,” said Kerry Doyle PSM OAM, CEO of the Australian Cardiovascular Alliance. “The recommendations put forward in this publication are not just specific to cardiovascular research. They represent broader concerns about workforce sustainability that are being echoed elsewhere. This paper provides considerations for other sectors as they work to ensure a robust, well-supported research community for future generations.”
The publication, which presents both the issues identified and the recommendations discussed at the summit, is now available to read in Heart Lung and Circulation and aims to serve as the foundation towards workforce sustainability outlining how stakeholders can work together to create an environment where researchers are supported and empowered to advance critical cardiovascular science and improve health outcomes for all Australians.
The 2024 National Cardiovascular EMCR Summit is being held this Monday 25 November. You can register to attend a state hub or online HERE.
Read the complete article: Cardiovascular Workforce Sustainability Sector Consultation: Recommendations From an Australian Stakeholder Summit.
Download the press release HERE.