Sparked Bright Sparks: Janney Wale
Meet Dr Janet Wale – consumer advocate.
Dr Janet Wale is a passionate consumer advocate with a background in biomedical science and a PHD in Pharmacology. Janney’s journey into advocacy was shaped by her own health experiences, following a career in biomedical research. She brings a deep understanding of the healthcare system and is committed to amplifying the consumer voice, particularly in areas where clinical and technical fields intersect. After discovering Sparked through an @RCPA meeting, Janney recognised the need for consumer voices in pathology and has since become a key contributor of the Sparked Community bridging clinical and technical perspectives to support better outcomes.
We spoke to Janney about her involvement in the Sparked Community, here’s what she had to say!
❓What is your background?
A consumer advocate with a higher degree science qualification and work experience – like some of the technical people involved in this Sparked work
❓ How did you first hear about Sparked and what made you want to become involved?
At a Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) PATHOLOGY INFORMATICS PILOT Steering Committee meeting – Jai Dacey also in attendance and said the program needed some consumers who understood the workings of pathology testing.
❓ What do you see as the best outcomes that Sparked has delivered or is working towards?
The eRequesting for diagnostics; and working toward making transitions of care flow for consumers.
❓ How is Sparked different to projects you’ve been involved in before?
We actually get to communicate and work with the ‘technical guys’ – and try to get some insights into how each others’ brains work
❓ What is something you’ve learnt from being part of the Sparked community?
Mixing with different communities, working together to build shared trust in what we are doing
❓ Can you share one of your favourite or memorable moments from participating in Sparked?
Feeling that I am part of, or at least accepted by, the technical group – it’s ‘okay’ I am there
❓ What excites you most about the future with Sparked?
Having effective, efficient and informative systems for requesting and reporting diagnostic tests where patients/service users are considered as key stakeholders – as a solid basis for healthcare
❓ What’s something unexpected that you’ve learnt/been a part of/connected with through Sparked?
That Grahame Grieve can think as a ‘patient’ – providing space for patients/service users to give their perspectives, if needed (e.g., on Patient Summary)
❓ How would you explain Sparked to someone not yet involved?
A programme developing the use of validated digital health technologies to guide best practices and improve healthcare
❓ What piece of advice would you share to someone who may not yet be a part of Sparked?
Listen carefully and be open minded, as well as prepared to learn new things. Speak up when you see things that are important for consumers and the public.
❓ If you had to describe Sparked in three words, what would they be?
Lighting the future
❓ If Sparked had a theme song, what would it be?
1st Shirley Bassey Light My Fire
2nd Johnny Cash Ring of Fire
❓ Describe Sparked using only emojis
👹 👨🏽🦽➡️ 😷🤔🤓🔅🤯😶🌫️🕉😉☯️🤩 🕺🏽🏃🏽♂️➡️
