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Biography

Contribution to Field of Research:
I am Head of the Discipline of General Practice (DGP) at the University of Adelaide, Past Deputy Head of the School of Population Health and was a holder of a Senior Principal Research - Primary Health Care Research, Evaluation and Development (PHCRED) – Fellowship (2007-2010).
In infectious disease surveillance: In 2003 I was asked to manage the Australian Sentinel Research Practices Network (ASPREN). This national influenza surveillance system has grown and undergone continuous improvement as technologies have advanced to include data extraction from GP medical records, swab testing, undertake vaccine effectiveness calculations that informs the choice of vaccine in the following year. I am part of an NHMRC CRE in Infectious Disease Emergency Response Research (APPRISE), and deputy chair of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Advisory Group of South Australia
In prevention: The importance and value of screening for risk factors or disease is well established. I have collaborated on a number of studies that have established the innovative use of patient reminders for preventive health care. In addition, with one of my PhD students (Si Si) I have examined the value health checks. This highly cited paper has informed both policy and practice in Australia and should lead to further trials to establish what should be checked and for whom.
In the field of clinical trials: Much of my work has involved recruiting practices, GPs or patients to clinical trials that directly inform practice. From the first primary care trial for DSH, to the international trial of post-menopausal oestrogen (WISDOM), to the smaller RCTS of CAM’s for hypertension and incentives for health checks, to a large national trial in the elderly, I have sought to apply high quality study methods and ensure the generalizability of the study findings. My most recent involvement is with the largest clinical trial undertaken in Australia, ASPREE, with 16,500+ participants across 5 states and territories (1253 in SA) and multiple sub-studies including a biobank and genomics.
Research Support:
Since 2013, I have attracted over $14.0 million in NHMRC or Cat 1 funding as CIA or co-investigator, $13.4 million as an NHMRC AI investigator and over $3.6 million in small and other grants.
Contributions to the NHMRC: I was a member of the NHMRC Primary Care and Health Sciences Project Grant Panels in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009. I served on the NHMRC General Practice Clinical Research Panel for 2006-7, was a member of the 2009 NHMRC Centres for Research Excellence assessment panel and a member of the Anti-microbial Resistance Advisory Committee (AMRAC) 2010-2011.
Community Engagement:
I am Director ASPREN, a Commonwealth funded network of 350 GPs/practices around Australia that provides data for influenza surveillance and collects morbidity data for general practice research. I am a Fellow of the Australian Faculty of Public Health Medicine and a part-time general practitioner in the Adelaide Hills. I am a Director of the Australian Medicines Handbook, a widely used pharmaceutical reference for Medical Practitioners and Pharmacists. I chair the NPS – MedicineInsight - Data Governance Committee.
Professional Involvement:
I was Chair of the RACGP National Council (2010-2012) and was the SA/NT Faculty Chair 2008-2014, a Director on the Adelaide to Outback (GP registrar training provider) Board and a member of the RACGP Research Committee for several years. I continue to be active in College activities including the SA/NT Faculty Board, the RACGP Foundation and as Chair of the RACGP Awards committee. I was on the Editorial Board of Australian Family Physician (2004-2017).
International Standing:
I have many international collaborators, as evidenced by co-authors in my publication record, presentations at international conferences and citations by international researchers. I have had several international PhD students from countries including, Romania, China, Bangladesh and Germany.
Record in translation into policy and practice:
In the area of antimicrobial resistance, my first papers with Prof Tom Fahey were highly cited, they influenced policy and practice around the world. This and subsequent work was used by the National Prescribing Service (NPS) in Australia to inform their advice to GPs to reduce antibiotic prescribing and my involvement with the NHMRC antimicrobial Resistance Committee (2010-2012).
Supervising and mentoring: I currently supervise 3 PhD students. I have supervised to completion seven PhD, one masters and three honours students. I have also supervised over 12 GP registrars undertaking 12 month academic posts in general practice and multiple health professionals undertaking research scholarships. I have been involved in all levels of medical student teaching and was Associate Dean (student) for several years.

Activities

Employment (1)

University of Adelaide: Adelaide, SA, AU

2000-09-01 to present | Head (General Practice)
Employment
Source: Self-asserted source
Nigel Stocks

Peer review (1 review for 1 publication/grant)

Review activity for Family medicine and community health. (1)