Professional and Therapeutic Communication

About Jenny DavisMelanie BirksYsanne Chapman

Professor Melanie Birks is an experienced academic with an extensive track record in research and publication having authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles as well as textbooks and book chapters. Her career in academia has more than 25 years. Professor Birks currently occupies the position of Professor and Head of Nursing and Midwifery at James Cook University Australia. She is passionate about learning and teaching and believes that quality education can be a life-changing experience. Her research interests are in the areas of accessibility innovation relevance and quality in health professional education. Dr Jenny Davis is a nurse midwife and health information manager with extensive experience in the Australian health and higher education sectors as clinician manager educator and researcher. Jenny is currently a senior lecturer at La Trobe University in Melbourne Australia. Jenny has a big-picture perspective and is passionate about system and clinical practice improvement through contemporary education strategic knowledge management and translational research. Jennys research interests include health workforce education practice and sustainability; information/knowledge management; and research ethics. Ysanne B Chapman is a retired Professor of Nursing and has been in the profession for over fifty years. While she is retired enjoying the wonders and freedom of beachside living in Victoria she is still active in professional work as she continues to write for publication researches with colleagues teaches and facilitates higher-degree students. Ysanne believes that effective communication is central to compassionate and efficient healthcare.