She has an extensive clinical background in ICU and CCU nursing, and has undertaken a variety of academic roles at the University of New England, Griffith University and Bond University, School of Medicine. She has a Masters of Nursing (Class 1 Hons) and a PhD (Academic Excellence award). Her earlier research explored the experience of critical illness for patients, and their loved ones, as a means of trying to provide effective patient-centred care. Later research has focused on medical student experience of personal identify, and simulation strategies.

University of New England, Armidale NSW (BA and MN(Hons1); Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Qld (PhD)

UNE Armidale, GU GC campus, SCU GC Campus, and Bond University, GC.

University medal and Class 1 Honours (MN), Academic Excellence for 2 perfect scores from examiners (PhD)

Trish has taught in undergraduate and postgraduate programs in nursing, and has been coordinator for Masters in Critical Care Programs at Griffith University, and Acting Coordinator of Graduate Certificate in Australian Nursing at Southern Cross University. She was Academic Deputy Lead on the development of the MD program in the School of Medicine at Bond University.

Trish has also worked as a clinical nurse throughout her academic career, working in ICUs and EDs in a variety of hospitals in both Queensland and NSW.