Read our Q&A with Alex Poole:
Can you introduce yourself and your role at the Taskforce?
I’m Alex Poole. I’m a trained Critical Care Nurse and clinical researcher based in South Australia. I joined the Taskforce in 2020 and I’m a Senior Evidence Officer and the Methods Chair for our Acute and Critical Care Panel and our Care of Older People and Palliative Care Panel. I also contribute to the evidence analysis for our Disease-Modifying Treatments and Chemoprophylaxis Panel.
Tell us how you came to the Taskforce?
I’m a PhD candidate at the University of Adelaide in the Disciple of Acute and Critical Care medicine, with a Bachelor of Nursing Science, graduate diploma of critical care, a graduate certificate of aeromedical retrievals and first class honours from University of Adelaide.
I’ve done a lot of work in clinical trials as a research and project manager, particularly with ANZICS Clinical Trials Group (CTG) as a member of several Management Committees endorsing clinical trials like LUCID and REVISE.
What have you enjoyed most about working at the Taskforce?
My role expands across the expert panel work and evidence tracking, but I really enjoy reviewing and analysing results of the large randomised controlled trials to see the impact they have on guidelines and recommendations.
What have been your key learnings from your time with the Taskforce?
Many things, but mostly the details of how to produce the highest quality living guidelines at an extraordinary pace.
What advice do you have for those starting out in their medical or research careers?
Find the best mentors that you enjoy working with and build that friendship – the team approach will ensure you have great success.
And seek challenges in your career that push you just outside your comfort zone. I’m grateful for the support and challenges my mentors have provided me which offered the opportunity to lead a large randomised control trial, after more than 4 years this work was published in the eminent American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
How do you spend your time away from the intensity of work?
I love most outdoor activities, but I’m most passionate about sailing and winter mountain bike riding. However my favourite activity is taking my 11-year-old kelpie, Mate, for a long walk.
What’s next on your career bucket list?
I’ve received confirmation of my PhD candidacy at the University of Adelaide in the Discipline of Acute Care Medicine, so my most immediate goal is to finalise my PhD in early 2023!
In the long run, I’d like to continue to make improvements in patient care, through research and clinical guidelines work.