The St Vincent’s Clinic Research Foundation Travelling Fellowship gives talented early-career clinicians and researchers the opportunity to learn from leading experts around the world and bring that knowledge back to Australian patients.  In 2024, this opportunity was awarded to Dr Fiona Tudehope, a clinician–researcher specialising in neurogastroenterology and motility, an emerging field focused on how the nervous system controls gut function and movement, with growing importance for patients with complex gastrointestinal disorders.

During her 2024-2025 fellowship, Dr Tudehope spent time at the Wingate Institute for Neurogastroenterology at Queen Mary University of London, working alongside world-leading experts in gastrointestinal motility.  The fellowship also formed part of her ongoing Master of Research at UNSW and allowed her to build meaningful connections between her academic work in Australia and research being undertaken internationally.

“This fellowship allowed me to broaden my understanding of medicine beyond the clinical environment.  It provided me with the time and space to contribute to the research community in ways I had not previously been able to do.” Dr Fiona Tudehope

A defining element of the fellowship was access to specialised training and mentorship not yet widely available in Australia.  Dr Tudehope developed advanced skills in diagnostic technologies used to investigate complex motility conditions, including high-resolution manometry, MII-pH testing and autonomic nervous system assessment.  She also gained experience with advanced research tools, including PowerLab and Neuroscope, furthering her focus on research-informed clinical practice.

These skills are now directly informing Dr Tudehope’s work at St Vincent’s, enabling a more structured, evidence-based approach to patient assessment and management.  The fellowship also strengthened her research capability, providing a foundation for future projects and ongoing international collaboration.

Since returning to St Vincent’s, Dr Tudehope has continued to apply the perspectives gained through her fellowship across both clinical practice and research.  The experience has reinforced her interest in clinical research and shaped her approach to evidence-based care.

The international relationships formed during the fellowship continue to influence her work, expanding opportunities for collaboration and contributing to research innovation at St Vincent’s.

“The opportunity to network, collaborate, and host international events has sparked a strong interest in clinical research and motivated me to continue engaging with global research communities.  In the long term, this fellowship has positioned me to bring new perspectives to my clinical practice and research.” Dr Fiona Tudehope