Lifestyle Medicine and Health Research Centre

The Lifestyle Medicine and Health Research Centre (LMHRC) seeks to foster multidisciplinary research relating to lifestyle, health and wellbeing. The Centre brings together academics from Avondale University as well as collaborating researchers from other Australian and International institutions.

Healthcare-associated infections—infections resulting from a person receiving healthcare—are relatively common, but a large proportion can be prevented. World-first studies led by Professor Brett Mitchell and his team of researchers have demonstrated the impact of these infections within healthcare centres and emphasised the need for more conscientious practices.

Prof Mitchell co-hosts a podcast called Infection Control Matters with colleagues Martin Keirnan and Phillip Russo, in which they discuss the latest scientific publications in the area, often joined by the lead researchers on the paper who provide further insights into the research.

Lifestyle Interventions for Mental Health and Wellbeing
High levels of mental ill health are being reported worldwide. Researchers from the Lifestyle Medicine and Health Research Centre are active in the development and dissemination of lifestyle-based interventions and initiatives, such as The Lift Project, to address this growing concern. In particular, researchers from the Lifestyle Medicine and Health Research Centre have a special interest in implementation research, studying how lifestyle programs can be used for optimal impact in various settings including educational, workplace, healthcare and community.

The Influence of Human Support on Adherence to, and Outcomes of an Online Interdisciplinary Mental Health Promotion Intervention for a Healthy Adult Cohort →
(PhD Thesis by Board Chair Dr Mel Renfrew)

Prof Morton and PhD Candidate Simon Matthews also host The Lift Podcast where they explore various topics about health and wellbeing, from the power of positivity to embracing failure.

Led by Associate Professor Carolyn Rickett, this research area explores the intersection of health, spirituality, and the written word, with a special focus on bibliotherapy. Publications include:

LMHRC Director
LMHRC Board Secretary

Lecturer, Nursing & Health
LMHRC Board Chair

Dean of Learning & Teaching
LMHRC Board Deputy Chair

CERC Director
LMHRC Board Member

Casual Research Officer

Conjoint Professor

Lecturer, Science

Lifestyle Medicine Short Course Coordinator

Adjunct Research Professor

Adjunct Associate Professor

Associate Dean of Research & Research Training
LMHRC Board Member

Research Assistant, Nursing & Health

Adjunct Lecturer

Professor (Health Services Research & Nursing)
LMHRC Board Member

Dean of Research & Research Training
LMHRC Board Member

Conjoint Professor

Conjoint Senior Research Fellow

LMHRC Board Member

Adventist Development & Relief Agency (ADRA)
Alfred Health
Australian College of Nursing
Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine
Cabrini Health
Central Coast Local Health District (NSW)
Clinical Excellence Commission (NSW)
Darling Downs Health Service (QLD)
GAMA Healthcare
Hunter Medical Research Institute
Hunter, New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network
Lake Macquarie City Council
Lift Lifestyle Medicine
Monash University
MEZRIT
Queensland University of Technology
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Sigma Nursing
Sydney Adventist Hospital
University of Newcastle

American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Andrews University
Ardmore Institute of Health (USA)
Duke NUS Medical School
Finger Lakes School District (USA)
Global Lifestyle Medicine Alliance
La Sierra University
Yimuyimi (China)

The latest Annual Report documenting the activities of this Centre can be viewed on the Strategy and Performance page.

The Lifestyle Medicine and Health Research Centre is governed by the Lifestyle Medicine and Health Research Centre Board.

Director
Professor Darren Morton
Lake Macquarie Campus, Avondale University
Telephone: +61 2 4980 2161
Email: [email protected]

Avondale University supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and is committed to ensuring healthy lives and promoting wellbeing for all at all ages.