My visit to Brisbane offered a valuable opportunity to explore how clinical-academic careers for pharmacists are cultivated internationally. It was also a chance to forge new networks and future collaborations in intensive care research.
Professor Jason Roberts generously hosted me at the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), designing a bespoke two-week itinerary that allowed me to observe the RESPOND team in action. I witnessed firsthand how PK/PD (pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics) expertise is embedded into clinical decision-making at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and Princess Alexandra Hospital intensive care units.
From the outset, I felt genuinely welcomed - part of the team, even as a non-PKPD specialist! And I do mean team: the RESPOND group exemplifies a high-functioning, interdisciplinary team with an international, professionally diverse membership. Their shared commitment to optimising antimicrobial therapy outcomes is unmistakable. Inclusive leadership (from Prof Roberts and the team leads) and vibrant social connections clearly play a role, as do the impressive UQCCR research facilities.
I learned from Dr Marta Ulldemolins about challenges in applying therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to optimise antimicrobial PK/PD, particularly around minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in complex patient cohorts. Dr Ulldemolins introduced me to several model-informed precision dosing (MIPD) software tools, offering fresh insights into their potential clinical utility back in Sheffield.
Meeting with research leads (Dr’s Marta Ulldemolins, Patty Mitre, Fekade Sime and Hafiz Abdul-Aziz), I was struck by their vision and leadership across multiple projects. The depth of researcher talent was clear - supported by excellent infrastructure, including robust laboratory services and the timely availability of assays for antimicrobials, immunosuppressants, and anticonvulsants. I must admit, I returned with just a touch of clinical envy!
I had the privilege of observing Prof Roberts in doctoral supervision meetings, watching him skilfully adapt his approach to suit individual student needs and stages of progress. During team sessions, I joined rich discussions on research methodology, PK/PD modelling, and data interpretation - led by Dr’s Xin Liu, Marta Ulldemolins and Patty Mitre and facilitated by Prof Roberts. What stood out most was the culture of psychological safety that empowered PhD students to question, critique, and contribute meaningfully. These experiences rapidly deepened my understanding of population pharmacokinetics and analytical approaches.
A particular highlight was a conversation with Prof Jeffrey Lipman about the implementation of continuous beta-lactam infusions. This followed the publication of the landmark BLING III trial and accompanying systematic review led by the team. We compared our clinical experiences with continuous and extended infusions of beta-lactams and vancomycin in ICU - a timely and thought-provoking exchange.
Several take-home lessons are now shaping my next steps. First, we’re initiating a local evaluation of MIPD-guided vancomycin continuous infusions - a meaningful pivot from our traditional, guideline-led approach. Second, I am reflecting on how to embed lessons in research leadership, network-building, and culture development into my own clinical-academic practice. The RESPOND team has demonstrated how partnerships across academia, healthcare, and industry can thrive through intentional collaboration and shared visions.
It was a rich and rewarding visit, and I hope I offered a few contributions of my own along the way. In that spirit of mutual learning- and with a nod to friendly sporting rivalries - I leave with optimism that the British and Irish Lions will still pull off a series victory on Australian soil.
Shared learning truly matters.
Dr Richard Bourne is a clinical-academic pharmacist specialising in critical care, based in Sheffield, UK. In March 2025, he visited the RESPOND team in Brisbane as part of a UK National Health and Care Senior Practitioner Research Award (SCPRA).
