There are ten candidates who have nominated as ANZTS Director for the 2025-2028 term. There are five vacant positions, noting that any result will be required to be managed within the current constitution and by-laws rules for balanced board composition. The election will take place at the 2025 Annual General Meeting on Thursday 23 October at 12.30pm NZDT at Wākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre, New Zealand.

The candidates are listed below. Full biographies and reasons to join the Board can be found further down or by clicking the name of the nominee:

Savitha Bhagvan

Biography

I am a Trauma and Acute Care Surgeon, working at Auckland NZ. My subspecialty interest is Surgical Management of Chest Wall Injuries. I am the Chair of the Northern Region Trauma Network and member of RACS Bi-National and NZ Sub-Committee. I am an EMST and DSTC Instructor.

Reasons to be on the ANZTS Board

I am a true believer that trauma is a team sport and best outcome for patients is from a holistic treatment approach. I believe ANZTS achieves this. I am the organising co-chair of the ANZTS annual conference for the 4th year and have delivered outstanding conferences and would like to continue to do so.

Kate Dale

Biography

I have been the Trauma Nurse Practitioner and nurse lead for the Trauma Service at GCUH for 13 years. I have led the service through RACS Verification twice now, both times being awarded Level 1 Trauma Centre status.  I developed, Trauma Connect Clinic, an acute NP led follow up clinic and the first of its kind in QLD.  Trauma Connect Clinic has now been modelled at the other 2 major trauma centres in QLD.

Reasons to be on the ANZTS Board

I have previously been a board member, and I continue to be an active ANZTS member. I have attended the conference for many years now playing in active role by either presenting, chairing or judging.  I have a passion for trauma quality and performance improvement and think that I can add value to the board with these skills.

Kellie Gumm

Biography

I am  Australia’s most experience Trauma program manager with over 30 years’ experienced in all facets of the trauma program including trauma and critical care, nurse leadership education, research, and program coordination. I have worked across Australia and internationally, including at both Victorian Adult Major Trauma Services.

I have completed extensive trauma education, including the Trauma Coordinators Core Course (TCC), Advanced Trauma Coordinators Course (ATCC), and Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses (ATCN) in the USA, as well as the Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) and TOPIC in Australia.

An active contributor to trauma research and clinical trials, I oversee one of Australasia’s busiest trauma registries in Australia and New Zealand and assist the multidisciplinary team with research and use the registry to run the quality assurance program.

I am the author of the Major Trauma Management chapter in Australia’s only nursing and paramedic textbook for the last 6 versions.

I have a long-standing commitment to trauma education and leadership, serving as a senior EMST coordinator, past regional coordinator, and organiser of multidisciplinary education events such as the Victorian Trauma Grand Rounds.  I am a member of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Trauma Verification team—the only nurse to have led a verification visit—and has played a key role in the development and coordination of national trauma courses including DSTC and DPTNC.

Currently a Grade 5 Clinical Nurse Consultant and Trauma Program Manager, Kellie holds a Graduate Certificate in Intensive Therapy Nursing, a Graduate Diploma in Health Promotion, and a Master of Arts in Adult Education. She is passionate about improving trauma systems, advancing education, and promoting excellence in multidisciplinary trauma care.

Reasons to be on the ANZTS Board

I am deeply committed to advancing trauma care across Australia and New Zealand through collaboration, education, and evidence-based practice. With over 25 years’ experience in trauma, critical care, and program management, I have developed a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our regional trauma systems.

As a Trauma Program Manager and Clinical Nurse Consultant, I oversee one of Australasia’s busiest trauma registries and contribute to clinical research, verification processes, and system improvement initiatives. I have also played a central role in multidisciplinary trauma education through coordinating EMST, DSTC, and national trauma courses, and by leading major educational events such as the Victorian Trauma Grand Rounds.

My experience working within both Victorian Adult Major Trauma Services andinternationally provides me with a broad perspective on trauma systems, governance, and the importance of collaboration between disciplines, jurisdictions, and professions. As the only nurse to lead a Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Trauma Verification visit, I bring unique insight into quality assurance and system evaluation at a national level.

I believe that as a board member of ANZTS, I can contribute meaningfully to the Society’s mission by strengthening cross-discipline partnerships, promoting research and education, and advocating for consistent, data-informed trauma care standards across Australasia. I am passionate about supporting the next generation of trauma professionals and helping to drive innovation, inclusivity, and excellence within the trauma community.

Helen Jowett

Biography

Helen Jowett is an accomplished Trauma Program Manager and Clinical Nurse Consultant at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia where she plays a pivotal role in advancing trauma care and quality improvement initiatives. With a comprehensive background in trauma management, Helen is dedicated to enhancing patient outcomes through innovative practices and evidence-based protocols.

In her multifaceted role, she serves as a Peer Support Officer, Family Violence Contact Officer, and Mental Health First Aider, emphasizing the importance of holistic care and wellbeing within the trauma service. Helen is an active participant in several committees, including the Schwartz Rounds Committee, Mental Health Advisory Committee, Clinical Ethics Committee, and Emergency Management Committee, where she collaborates with diverse teams to address complex healthcare challenges.

Helen’s leadership extends beyond RCH; she serves as an International Director with the Society of Trauma Nurses (STN) where she Chairs the International Committee, contributing to the global discourse on trauma care. She is also actively involved on the Pediatric Committee and Membership Committee and is a TOPIC instructor with STN.

Additionally, Helen is a Past President of the Australian & New Zealand Trauma Society, Past President’s Council Chair, Co-Chair Best Practice Committee, Co-Chair Education Subcommittee, Member Conference Committee, Multidisciplinary Trauma Forum Lead, Awards Panel Lead, Australian & New Zealand Trauma Nursing Pathway Lead, and a founding member of the Australian & New Zealand Trauma Quality Improvement Program (ANZTQIP) Executive and Steering Committee.

Her involvement with the International Taskforce for the Pediatric Trauma Society and the Trauma Survivors Network Advisory Committee of the American Trauma Society underscores her commitment to trauma care on an international scale. 

She is also a member of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Trauma Verification Committee and is a vital contributor to site reviews across Australasia. 

Helen serves as the ATLS Coordinator for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and is a senior Emergency Trauma Management (ETM) Coordinator. 

Through her extensive experience and leadership, she continues to champion improvements in trauma care, supporting both patients and healthcare professionals in her community and beyond.

Reasons to be on the ANZTS Board

I am an accomplished Trauma Program Manager and Clinical Nurse Consultant at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, with extensive leadership across local, national, and international trauma systems. As a Past President of ANZTS, I continue to serve in multiple leadership roles, including Co-Chair of the Best Practice Committee, Co-Chair of the Education Subcommittee, and Lead of the Multidisciplinary Trauma Forum.

I am a founding member of ANZTQIP and contribute to the RACS Trauma Verification Committee, driving evidence-based quality improvement across Australasia. Deeply committed to trauma education, I lead the ANZ Trauma Nursing Pathway Group, and I serve as an instructor and coordinator for TOPIC, ATLS, and ETM courses. Through these roles, I have mentored and supported countless trauma nurses, helping to build the next generation of leaders in trauma care.

Internationally, I serve as International Director and Chair of the International Committee of the Society of Trauma Nurses, strengthening global collaboration and knowledge exchange. I also contribute to committees within the Pediatric Trauma Society and the American Trauma Society, ensuring that paediatric priorities and patient voices remain central in trauma care.

At RCH, my roles as Peer Support Officer, Family Violence Contact Officer, and Mental Health First Aider highlight my commitment to holistic, patient-centred care and the wellbeing of the workforce. I am a passionate advocate for respectful, inclusive, and collaborative working environments.

With a proven record of governance, mentorship, innovation, and service to ANZTS, I believe I bring both continuity and vision to the Board of Directors. I am particularly committed to mentoring new board members and building future leadership capacity to ensure the continued success of the Society’s committees and initiatives.

Adam Mahoney

Biography

Adam works in the Trauma Service at Royal Hobart Hospital and as a prehospital and retrieval specialist with Ambulance Tasmania. He originally trained as an anaesthetist.

Adam has served on the ANZTS Board since 2020 and presently chairs the Registry Subcommittee.

Adam is a keen health educator and has research interests in trauma system design, simulation based training and post-discharge outcomes for trauma patients.

Reasons to be on the ANZTS Board

I have a strong commitment to development and expansion of training and recognition pathways for all members of the trauma care community.

I am also entirely aligned with the holistic, multidisciplinary ethos of our society, and want to promote its place as ‘home of the trauma clinician’, working in partnership with all the other organisations that strive for better, more patient-centred care for the injured.

Joseph Mathew

Biography

Bio of Associate Professor Joseph K. Mathew, Deputy Director, Trauma Services, Alfred Health

Associate Professor Joseph K. Mathew is a leader in trauma care and research, currently serving as the

Deputy Director of Trauma Services at Alfred Health, Australasia’s largest trauma service, where he

drives excellence in clinical care delivery. He also holds the position of Head of International at the

National Trauma Research Institute (NTRI), leading transformative initiatives in trauma system

development across Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, China, and Saudi Arabia. Notably, he served as the

Australian lead for the highly successful Australia-India Trauma System Collaboration.

Academic Appointments

A/Prof Mathew holds adjunct associate professorships at:

  • Department of Surgery, School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, where he focuses on

developing cost-effective trauma system solutions for low-resource settings, including the establishment

of trauma registry systems. His clinical research explores innovative applications of nanotechnology in

haemorrhage control and the role of calcium in massive haemorrhage.

  • Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute (A43), Deakin University, where his work centers on leveraging

artificial intelligence (Al) for medical decision-making tools in emergency conditions, with a particular

emphasis on trauma resuscitation. His research interests include remote monitoring systems for disease

prediction and early intervention, aligning Al with clinical intuition. He co-developed the Al-backed

Pandemic Intervention and Monitoring System (PIMS) for remote COVID-19 monitoring and contributed

to mobility app systems for prehospital care and trauma rehabilitation.

Leadership and Innovation

A/Prof Mathew is a pioneer in trauma education, having founded and co-created several impactful

programs:

  • Cadaveric Trauma Procedures Course
  • Emergency Trauma Management (ETM) Course
  • Trauma Team Training Program

He is also a co-creator of innovative mobility applications supporting prehospital care and trauma

rehabilitation.

Awards and Recognition

A/Prof Mathew has been honoured with the Clinical Excellence Award by the Australia and New Zealand

Trauma Society for his outstanding contributions to trauma care.

Governance and Advisory Roles

  • Board Member, Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute (A7/3), Deakin University
  • Past Chair, ARC Industrial Hub for Digital Enhanced Living
  • Past Chair, Trauma Subcommittee, Australian College of Emergency Medicine
  • Consultant, Government of India and Emirate of Abu Dhabi, advising on the establishment of trauma

systems

  • Reviewer, multiple medical journals

Reasons to be on the ANZTS Board

As a Deputy Director and occasional Acting Director in Trauma services of Alfred health & with over 30 years of experience in clinical practice, research, and education, I am deeply passionate about advancing trauma care across Australia, New Zealand and internationally. My academic and professional journey has been driven by a commitment to improving patient outcomes through excellence in clinical trauma care, innovative research, evidence-based protocols, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Joining the Board of Directors of the Australia New Zealand Trauma Society would allow me to leverage my expertise in clinical trauma care, trauma systems development and injury prevention to influence policy and strategic directions at a regional, national and international level. This role aligns perfectly with my vision of fostering a more resilient and equitable trauma network, where knowledge sharing and best practices can reduce morbidity and mortality from traumatic injuries. Joining the Board of Directors of the Australia New Zealand Trauma Society would allow me to leverage my expertise on a broader scale, contributing to strategic initiatives that shape national standards, foster research partnerships, and enhance trauma systems to save more lives and reduce long-term disabilities.

Furthermore, serving on the Board would enable me to contribute to the Society’s mission by promoting high-quality education and research initiatives that address emerging challenges, such as rural trauma disparities and the integration of advanced technologies in emergency response. I am eager to collaborate with fellow leaders to enhance advocacy efforts, secure funding for critical projects, and mentor the next generation of trauma specialists. Ultimately, this position represents an opportunity for me to give back to the field that has shaped my career, while driving meaningful change that benefits healthcare providers and communities throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Rohit Sarvepalli

Biography

I am a General and Trauma Surgeon practicing in Perth. I earned my undergraduate degree in India before embarking on extensive surgical training, completing basic surgical training in the UK, followed by advanced training in New Zealand.

I specialized in Trauma Care, gaining invaluable experience at Level 1 Trauma Centers in Waikato and Royal Perth Hospital, where I currently serves. My professional interests include minimally invasive surgery, complex abdominal wall hernias, and in trauma, I focus on chest wall injuries and complex rib fixation.

Reasons to be on the ANZTS Board

As a Trauma and General Surgeon at Western Australia’s Level 1 Trauma Centre, I have had the privilege of providing care across the entire trauma continuum — from prehospital retrievals to complex operative and critical care management. My work has afforded me a unique perspective on the challenges faced by both metropolitan and remote trauma providers, as well as the importance of ensuring equitable, and multidisciplinary trauma care throughout our region.

In addition to my clinical duties, I am actively involved in trauma governance and education:

  • Serving on the WA State Trauma Committee and the RACS Trauma Subcommittee, where I contribute to system-level initiatives aimed at improving trauma outcomes.
  • Regularly teaching and mentoring clinicians across Western Australia through EMST and CTEC trauma skills programs, with a particular focus on rural and remote education.
  • Delivering practical procedural training for senior emergency physicians, reinforcing collaborative and cross-disciplinary practice.

These experiences have strengthened my belief that advancing trauma care equity requires both leadership and collaboration — principles that the ANZTS embodies. I am passionate about continuing this work at a national and binational level, advocating for consistent standards, promoting trauma education, and fostering a culture of multidisciplinary excellence.

If given the opportunity to serve as Director, I would bring to ANZAST strong commitment to advocacy, education, and system improvement — ensuring that every trauma patient, regardless of geography, receives the highest standard of care.

Sarah Shannon

Biography

Sarah Shannon is a physiotherapist with 14 years of clinical experience and a strong passion for working in trauma care. As the first allied health professional embedded within a New Zealand trauma service, she has led quality improvement initiatives and driven growth in Allied Health’s role in trauma. Sarah actively contributes to local, regional and national trauma networks, and is passionate about education, equity, improving transitions of care, and data-driven service improvements. She is dedicated to enhancing outcomes for patients, their whānau, and the trauma workforce.

Reasons to be on the ANZTS Board

I bring over 14 years of physiotherapy and leadership experience and for the past three years I have worked as the Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty Trauma Service Allied Health Clinical Lead.  As the first allied health professional integrated within a trauma service in New Zealand, I have insight into the benefit of this type of role and have led quality improvement initiatives that have enhanced trauma rehabilitation and service delivery. I am passionate about advocating for Allied Health’s vital role in trauma, promoting equity, and fostering collaboration across disciplines and agencies. I am actively involved in trauma education initiatives across local, regional, and national levels, particularly aimed at enhancing opportunities and standards for Allied Health, with a commitment to leaving a legacy of improved education within the trauma community.  I am dedicated to using data-driven approaches to improve patient outcomes and support workforce development. With strong communication skills and a collaborative leadership style, I aim to see all angles and viewpoints. I want to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing improvement of trauma systems and patient care as a member of the ANZTS Board of Directors if successful.  Thank you for the opportunity.

Lola Sikora

Biography

Lola Sikora is the Trauma Program Manager at Royal Perth Hospital (RPH). Lola has worked within the RPH State Major Trauma Unit for 15 years and has undertaken a variety of senior nursing roles within the Trauma Service. In her role as Trauma Program Manager, Lola provides leadership and support for the operational, educational, research, fiscal, and strategic management of the Western Australian (WA) State Trauma Service. Lola is responsible for the management of the service’s Injury Prevention initiatives including the P.A.R.T.Y. Program and Stop the Bleed. Lola is also responsible for the management of the WA State Trauma Registry and Trauma Service research activity, which includes monitoring trends and initiating and implementing best practice that supports the delivery of high-quality clinical care and management of Trauma patients. Lola holds a Graduate Diploma of Forensic Nursing and a Master of Public Health and is passionate about teaching, also having positions as a Clinical Senior Lecturer in the School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, and as a Sessional Tutor for the University of Notre Dame Australia.

Reasons to be on the ANZTS Board

As a nurse clinician, I have experience in a variety of senior trauma related nursing roles including Nurse Unit Manager of the State Major Trauma Unit, Staff Development Nurse for the State Major Trauma Unit, Trauma Program Manager, Trauma Case Manager, and Nurse Educator – Resuscitation and Simulation. Within the first three weeks of taking over as TPM, RPH underwent RACS Trauma Verification which has allowed me over the past 24 months to not only be involved but initiate many changes within the WA State Adult Trauma Service redesign. This included increasing staffing FTE, updating governance structures, implementation of more efficient workflow processes and the successful securing of external funding sources across all portfolios: clinical care, registry and data management, education and injury prevention.

Clare Swanson

Biography

Clare Swanson is a Trauma Clinical Nurse Specialist at Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty with over 30 years of emergency nursing experience in New Zealand and the UK. Since 2017, she has supported trauma service development in the Bay of Plenty, driving collaborative innovations in trauma follow-up care, education, and equity-focused initiatives. Clare holds a master’s in nursing, with research focused on paediatric injury patterns, and brings expertise in service development, quality improvement, and interprofessional collaboration. She is an active member of local, regional, and national trauma groups and is passionate about improving trauma outcomes across the continuum of care.

Reasons to be on the ANZTS Board

I bring extensive trauma experience with over 30 years in emergency and trauma nursing, including the past 7 years working as a Clinical Nurse Specialist within the trauma service. This has provided me with a deep understanding of trauma care across diverse patient populations and clinical settings.

I am strongly equity-focused, committed to improving outcomes for Māori and underserved communities. This commitment is reflected in my work developing culturally responsive care models and implementing with our team telehealth-based follow-up clinics to enhance access and support for patients in their recovery journey.

My proven team collaboration is demonstrated through successfully expanding our local trauma service, developing new clinical pathways, and leading multiple quality improvement projects aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and care delivery.

I am passionate about education and collaboration, having created local trauma education forums, trauma study days and actively participating in regional and national trauma networks. These efforts foster knowledge sharing and build strong professional connections across the trauma community.

I use data-driven innovation by utilising trauma registry data and research to inform service development and advocate for system-wide improvements, ensuring trauma care is evidence-based and continuously advancing.