APACH TEAM
Flinders University, established in 1966 and based on the traditional lands of the Kaurna people in Adelaide, Australia. Flinders is globally acknowledged for its research excellence, innovative educational practices, and for producing Australia's most enterprising graduates. With a steadfast commitment to its vision and mission—aiming to transform lives and the world—Flinders University is a beacon of innovation in both education and research.
Within Flinders, the College of Business, Government and Law is home to the Australian Industrial Transformation Institute (AITI), a world leader in the study of workplace innovations, industry, economic, and workforce research in response to major changes. Additionally, the college houses the Centre for Social Impact (CSI), a part of a national education and research collaboration aimed at catalyzing positive social change through impactful research and education, enhancing capabilities across communities and organizations in Australia. The Caring Futures Institute, Australia's pioneering research
center dedicated to the study of aged care and caring solutions is also homed at Flinders. The institute envisions a future where everyone has access to the highest standard of health and care. By focusing research across the life course, it aims to achieve ground breaking shifts in health and aged care,
underpinned by the Caring Life Course Theory. (Source: https://www.flinders.edu.au/about)
The Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA) is a pioneering, independent, not-for-profit entity dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of the aged care workforce. Its mission is to lead through innovation and research, aiming to elevate the standard of aged care across Australia. Engaging closely with aged care workers, partners, researchers, thought leaders, and businesses, ARIIA seeks to capture growth and innovation opportunities within the aged care sector.
ARIIA is at the forefront of several key initiatives designed to encourage innovation adoption. These include the Knowledge and Implementation Hub, which translates research findings into easily understandable information, acting as a comprehensive, evidence-based resource
for fostering innovation and change in aged care.
Additionally, ARIIA offers the Innovator Training Program aimed at the aged care workforce, the Aged Care Partnering Program to help scale impactful projects, the Innovator Network Program which fosters connections among aged care professionals, and a grants program to support innovation. As a hub of collaboration, expertise, and transformative potential, ARIIA is committed to serving the aged care workforce, providers, researchers, suppliers, consumers, and innovators, ensuring the sector is well-equipped to meet current and future challenges.
From the aria.org.au website
Ramaiah Medical College(Host) :
Ramaiah Medical College was established in the year 1979 with the vision of providing quality education to all. The college is well equipped with the latest infrastructure and advanced laboratories and continually focuses on providing quality education, patient care and creating a research ecosystem for creation and transfer of knowledge which is useful to the society. Ramaiah Medical College is a constituent college of Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences since August 2022.
CORE TEAM
Dr Balasubramanian brings a public health and health services background, with a focus on the
future design and sustainable development of core health system components and developing integrated systems to address sustainable development goals. He also holds honorary positions at the Universities of Sydney and Adelaide. Madhan's primary research expertise is in the health workforce, where he brings over 15 years of critically acclaimed research and policy contributions/outputs. Madhan has published 60+ research outputs, including 41 research articles, 4 commentaries/debates, 4 editorials, 3 systematic reviews, 1 book and 3 commissioned government reports. Madhan has won three nationally competitive Australian Government fellowships, including an Endeavour Fellowship (2016-17) and a prestigious NHMRC Sidney Sax Early Career Research Fellowship (2017-21). He received over $1.5 million Australian dollars in nationally/internationally competitive grants (as CIA), in addition to scholarships and academic prizes. Madhan has active research projects that he conceptualized and developed across two states in Australia (NSW and SA), and internationally in the United Kingdom and India.
Dr Jyoti Khadka
Associate Professor Khadka is an accomplished academic researcher, specializing in
person-reported outcomes, health economics, aged care, and health services research. His research focuses on the development and evaluation of person-reported outcomes and methodological research on how person-reported outcomes (e.g. quality of life, experience, well-being) are best valued in health and social care settings. Nationally recognized, two of his tools, QOL-ACC and QCE-ACC, are implemented by the Australian Government to assess aged care quality. Till date, Dr Khadka has developed, validated and implemented 15 different tools to measure quality of life and quality of care experience across vision, aged care and health system. Leveraging the Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA)' databases, he also investigates older individuals' interactions with healthcare systems, analyzing aged care and healthcare costs to inform national policies. With a notable portfolio of over 90 publications and five research reports, including contributions to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, he has secured substantial Category A grant funding, exceeding $7 million. Dr. Khadka's work significantly influences aged care practices and policies in Australia.
Angie Shafei
Associate Professor Shafei is the Dean of Business at the College of Business Government & Law,Flinders University. Angie is an interdisciplinary Clinical Pathologist, Pracademic, Health
Management Consultant and Researcher. Her main interests are innovation, health transformation
& digital health. She has 20+ years of experience in the medical, education, quality &
accreditation sectors in Australia, North Africa and the Gulf. She is an Associate Fellow of the
Australasian College of Health Service Management and Co-founder of Innovate Inn, a Technology start-up specializing in Medtech and AgriTech. She is a research commercialization expert with hands-on experience in Health Transformation, who uses her unique interdisciplinary expertise to engage in translational research and has published in peer-reviewed publications in digital health, PREMs, ConsumerX, mHealth, Telehealth, quality improvement and patient-centred service delivery models.
Professor Sue Gordon
Professor Gordon is Research Director of Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia
(ARIIA). Sue works with aged care providers and the community to optimize ageing, aged care, and the effective use of technology through research translation. She brings over 20 years of physiotherapy experience and more than 15 years of academic experience to this role. Her research has involved collaboration with local government, aged care and health service providers, and colleagues from other universities. Sue has secured substantial grants,
including $34,442,800 for ARIIA's Phase 1 & 2 and a $2,962,655.00 Australian Research Council grant for the Industrial Transformation Research Hub. With a $7 million grant, she tested the Single Assessment Tool for Aged Care and led the My Smart Home initiative with $370,432 funding. Addressing social isolation, Connected Communities and a $20,000 Flinders University grant for a high-support chair showcased her commitment.
Mr Reuben Jacob
Mr Jacob is the Chief Executive Officer and Company Secretary of the Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA). Reuben is a seasoned leader with a unique blend of technical acumen and commercial insight. His diverse experience across private, public, and not-for-profit sectors has honed strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excelling in leadership, management, negotiation, relationship building, and networking, he brings a holistic perspective with meticulous attention to detail. His background includes roles in commercialization, clinical trials, and a venture capital internship, demonstrating proficiency in operationalizing initiatives, corporate governance, and stakeholder management. With a proven track record in evaluating business opportunities and creating reporting tools, his extensive networks nationally and internationally position him for success in various environments.
APACH Fellows
APACH Fellows have distinguished themselves with their exceptional contributions to aged care health system strengthening. They
demonstrate a steadfast commitment and fervour towards enhancing aged care systems in their respective home countries. This includes 15fellows from six different nations. These include India (6 fellows), Nepal (2), Bangladesh (1),
Malaysia (2), Indonesia (2), and the Philippines (2)
A short summary of the fellows is provided below:
INDIA
Dr GVRK Acharyulu
Dr Acharyulu has is Professor in Operations & Supply Chain, Program Advisor –
MBA (Healthcare & Hospital Management), School of Management Studies, University of Hyderabad, India. He has 10 years of industry experience and more than 20 years of academic experience. His research is involved in Healthcare, Supply Chain and Sustainability, and collaboration with health service providers. He has also published ten books and 23 research papers in national and 25 international journals. He has presented research papers at National & International conferences.
Teddy Andrews J J
Teddy Andrews J J is the Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Social Work Program at the Department of Social and Health Innovation, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India. With a Master's in Social Work, Postgraduate Diploma in Gerontology, and a PhD in Social Gerontology, he specializes in Ageing, Mental Health, Adolescents' Well-being, and Social Work Education. Before academia, he worked as a practitioner in mental health and adolescent health promotion projects.
Dr. Thriveni S Beerenahally
Thriveni S Beerenahally is a seasoned Medical and Public Health professional with 25 years of expertise in healthcare, strategic planning, and implementation. Specializing in health systems research, she focuses on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), elderly care, advocacy,
data-driven decisions, Corporate Social Responsibility, & organizational transformation within large, global organizations. Thriveni is the founding member of Feel@Home Senior Care Centre, overseeing two aged care homes. Her work explores the functioning of care homes in India and incorporates global best practices.
Dr. Lakshmi Balraj
Dr. Lakshmi Balraj, an oral medicine and maxillofacial radiologist, serves as the Chief Officer and Head of Research at APJ ERIC, Indian Dental Association in Mumbai. Currently pursuing a PhD in International Health at Maastricht University, Netherlands, her research focuses on understanding oral health policies and their implementation in developing economies. She contributes as an oral oncology consultant in multiple Mumbai hospitals and has received the IADR award, led various research projects, reviewed for journals, is a Lifetime member of IAOMR, and is a trained classical vocalist.
Prof. Meghashyam Bhat
Prof. Meghashyam Bhat, a dental academic with a Ph.D. in Dentistry (Oral Epidemiology) and a Masters in Community Dentistry and Public Health, boasts over two decades of experience in academia. As the Professor of Public Health Dentistry at Sharavathi Dental College and Hospital in Bengaluru, affiliated with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, he is deeply involved in teaching and research. Dr. Bhat's research interests include Oral Epidemiology, Public Health, and Ageing.
Dr. B.S. Nanda Kumar
Dr. B.S. Nanda Kumar is an accomplished medical professional and researcher with an MD in Community Medicine, DNB in Community Medicine, and a Post Graduate Health and Hospital Management Diploma. As the Associate Dean of Research at Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences and Head of Research & Intellectual Property Rights at M.S. Ramaiah Medical College, he focuses on primary healthcare, telemedicine, public health informatics, and health technology development. Dr. Kumar has made significant contributions to academia, healthcare policy, and international research projects.
Nepal
Dr. Prabhat Adhikari
A physician and healthcare entrepreneur, envisioned healthcare reform through medical IT. Specializing in Infectious Diseases and Critical Care in the USA, he co-founded Danphe Care, a multinational company focusing on innovative medical software globally. As the CEO of the Center for American Medical Specialists (CAMS) in Nepal, he provides evidence-based practices. Dr. Adhikari leads Nepgen, a Contract Research Organization, and established Novala Biotech to address medical diagnostics supply issues in Nepal during COVID-19. Committed to social responsibility, he founded ASK Foundation, offering free healthcare access in rural Nepal through telemedicine and health camps.
Phar. Kabin Maleku
A pharmacist with a Master's degree, has significantly impacted Nepal's pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. With expertise in clinical research, regulatory affairs, and healthcare development, he led Raskot Community Hospital, served as the Executive Director of the ASK Foundation, and provided remote healthcare through telemedicine. Proficient in statistical analysis software and electronic health records, he advocated for a better healthcare system via media and supported parliamentarians with evidence during the COVID-19 pandemic
Bangladesh
Md Rabiul Karim
Md Rabiul Karim is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at Jagannath University (JnU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. He holds a four-year Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) and a one-year Master of Social Science (MSS) in Economics, both from JnU. Specializing in health services and health policy research, his work focuses on disadvantaged populations, aged care, and health economics. Md Rabiul Karim has contributed to the field with 6 published research articles and currently has 2 articles under review.
Malaysia
Prof. Maw Pin Tan
Maw Pin Tan, a Geriatric Medicine expert at University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, holdsan undergraduate medical degree from the University of Nottingham. With over 12 years dedicated to aging research, her primary focus is on falls and syncope in older adults. She is the Principal Investigator of the AGELESS longitudinal study and serves as the Medical Director of Managed Care and the Genting Dementia Day Care Centre. Additionally, she is a Founding Director of ACT4Health, a social startup delivering evidence-based health assessments and
training for the well-being of older Malaysians.
Dr. Kejal Hasmukharay
Dr. Kejal Hasmukharay, a geriatrician at the University Malaya Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is an early career researcher with a focus on aging, aged care, immunosenescence, and cognitive frailty. She actively collaborates with non-governmental organizations and the long-term care industry, advocating for the well-being of older individuals, particularly during the pandemic. Driven by a strong commitment, she aspires to contribute to the development of aged care and long-term care services in Malaysia, addressing political, structural, and cultural challenges in this emerging field.
Indonesia
Dr. Akhmad Azmiardi
Dr. Akhmad Azmiardi, a distinguished scholar in Public Health, serves as a research assistant at Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia, and concurrently as a lecturer at the School of Health Sciences in Surakarta. With a solid five-year professional background, Dr. Azmiardi's proficiency is deeply rooted in public health and epidemiology. He is driven by an ambition to excel as a researcher and lecturer in his field. Outside his professional sphere, Dr. Azmiardi has a deep appreciation for music and is recognized for his enthusiastic pursuit of knowledge. Among the thing she values most in life is spending time with his family.
Dr. Farahdila
Dr. Farahdila is an accomplished public health professional with a Master's degree from Sebelas Maret University, Indonesia. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Public Health from the same institution. She holds the position of Head of the Purwodiningratan Community Health Center in Surakarta. In addition to her leadership role, Dr. Farahdila serves as an Adjunct Lecturer and Field Lab Coordinator for the Master's Program in Public Health at Sebelas Maret University. She also contributes her expertise as an Adjunct Lecturer in Public Health at the Faculty of Medicine, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, Indonesia.
Philippines
Ivan Neil B. Gomez
Ivan Neil B. Gomez is an academic occupational therapist at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. As a teaching staff and researcher, his focus spans the lifespan, emphasizing outcomes that facilitate participation and occupation, neurophysiology, and evidence-based practice. With prior experience as a community development worker, Ivan engaged with stakeholders to promote inclusive health and rehabilitation programs. His goal is to leverage his research and community work experience to enhance aged care practices in the Philippines
Prof. MA. Teresa Tricia G. Bautista
Prof. MA. Teresa Tricia G. Bautista, MD, is a dynamic health professional with extensive experience in clinical medicine and research. Throughout her career, she initiated family medicine residency training programs and palliative care services. Recently, she has been instrumental in establishing geriatric centers and fellowship programs, aligning with national health priorities. Over the past two decades, she has dedicated herself to teaching medical students and residents, emphasizing age friendly care in her educational endeavors.