Nursing academic named distinguished professor

The Queensland University of Technology has honoured Patsy Yates with the title of distinguished professor, in recognition of her achievements and research in cancer and palliative care nursing.

Yates, who is head of the School of Nursing and director of Queensland’s Centre for Palliative Care Research and Education, was the tenth academic to be awarded the title at QUT.

She has been a nurse for nearly 40 years said she has one of those jobs that offer many opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives.

“It’s about discovering and learning new ways to improve the health care system,” Yates said.

“I got into nursing after I left school – it was one of those things when I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I’m so glad I chose it as a career and I’ve never looked back."

She said some highlights of her career include the light bulb moment when her students recognise how important their roles are, and her team's research findings that influence how people provide care for people at the end of life.

QUT vice-chancellor and president Professor Margaret Sheil said Yates was highly regarded for her leadership in improving the quality of life for people who have cancer, and forging strong links between research, policy and practice.

“Professor Yates is a researcher of national and international distinction. Earlier this year, she became the first researcher from outside of North America to receive the prestigious Distinguished Researcher award from the international Oncology Nursing Society,” Sheil said.

“Furthermore, Professor Yates has received continuous competitive funding for her research program from a range of sources and has demonstrated an extraordinary track record across a breadth and depth of cancer-related research over some 20 years.

She added that Yates was also recognised for her work in translating evidence into practice through innovative education and health service delivery initiatives at state, national, and international level.

Yates joins us to discuss her career and improving the quality of life for people who have cancer.

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