
Professor Nalini Pather
My Expertise
Clinical Anatomy, Paediatrics, Women's health
Medical Imaging, CT, MRI
Applied Anatomy, Human Development, Brain function
Ethics in Medicine, Visualisation and Virtual/Augmented Reality
Medical eduction, blended learning, NextGen technologies, education pedagogy, teaching technologies
Fields of Research (FoR)
Education Assessment and Evaluation, Education not elsewhere classified, Radiology and Organ Imaging, Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine, Virtual Reality and Related Simulation, Anthropology, Cardiology (incl. Cardiovascular Diseases), Neurobiology, Higher Education
Biography
Nalini leads a research group (Applied Anatomy and Imaging Technologies Research) investigating anatomical applications and imaging technology in clinical practice and education. We investigate multiple imaging techniques (medical imaging, 3D visualisation, 3D modelling and mixed reality, AR and VR) and their use in clinical practice, anthropology and education. Our special interests are in radiomics for early diagnosis of anatomical structural changes, age estimation and paediatric growth, body image and perceptions of the human body, mental health and wellness, and integration in workplace.
Nalini completed her PhD (2009) in South Africa and has expertise in cutting-edge research techniques (ranging from applications in cell biology to advanced micro-dissection skills, 3D modelling and printing, mixed reality). These skills enable her to interrogate advances in medical technologies to enable translation to workplace, and public advocacy. Her research successes include collaboration with clinicians, biomedical engineers, legal experts and specialists in the humanities. Nalini is currently supervising five HDR students.
Nalini has more than 20 years’ experience in design and implementation of educational innovation in medicine and health science programs in a number of countries, including South Africa, North America and the UK. Nalini currently teaches into the UNSW Medicine programme as well as to Exercise Physiology, Biomedical Engineering and Medical Science students. She has won several awards (Faculty, Vice-Chancellor, Australian OLT citation awards) for her contributions to higher education. In 2020, she was appointed International Chair of the International Program for Anatomical Education (FIPAE), a program of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA).
Roles
Nalini regularly serves the wider community in the following current roles
International
International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA):
- Co-Editor, PLEXUS (Newsletter of the IFAA): 2007- 2019
- Scientific Chair, IFAA 2009 Congress, Cape Town, South Africa: 2009
- Chair of the Federative Program for Anatomical Education (FIPAE): 2020-2024
Anatomical Sciences Education Journal
- Editorial Board: 2014-current
- British Medical Journal Medical Education
- Associate Editor: 2019-current
National
- Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists (ANZACA)
- ANZACA Council Member: 2014- 2020
- Co-Chair of ANZACA 2012 Organising Committee: 2012
- Publications
- Awards
- Grants
- Media
Publications
Books
- Strkalj G; Pather N, 2017, Commemorations and Memorials Exploring the Human Face of Anatomy INTRODUCTION, Strkalj G; Pather N, (ed.), WORLD SCIENTIFIC PUBL CO PTE LTD, http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000436397200002&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
- Štrkalj G; Pather N, 2017, Commemorations and memorials: Exploring the human face of anatomy, http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/10118
- Štrkalj G; Pather N; Kramer B, 2005, Voyages in Science Essays by South African Anatomists in Honour of Phillip V. Tobias's 80th Birthday
Book Chapters
- Kenderine S; Yip A; Oliver C; Pather N; Sammut C; Djokic T; Marcus N; Ong A, 2021, 'Designing Multi-disciplinary Interactive Virtual Environments for Next-Generation Immersive Learning Experiences: Case Studies and Future Directions in Astrobiology, Anatomy and Cultural Heritage.', in Creative and Collaborative Learning through Immersion Interdisciplinary and International Perspectives, Springer, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-72216-6_4
- Kenderdine S; Yip A; Oliver C; Pather N; Sammut C; Djokic T; Marcus N; Ong A, 2021, 'Designing Multi-disciplinary Interactive Virtual EnvironmentsInteractive virtual environmentsImmersive learning for Next-Generation Immersive LearningImmersive learning Experiences: Case Studies and Future Directions in Astrobiology, Anatomy and Cultural Heritage', in Creative and Collaborative Learning through Immersion, pp. 49 - 67, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-72216-6_4
- Birbara NS; Pather N, 2021, 'Instructional Design of Virtual Learning Resources for Anatomy Education', in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, pp. 75 - 110, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-61125-5_5
- Pather N, 2020, 'Prosection and Dissection Laboratory Sessions: Design and Implement to Enhance Learning', in Teaching Anatomy, Springer International Publishing, pp. 259 - 269, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43283-6_27
- Pather N; Strkaj G, 2017, 'CONCLUDING REMARKS: WHERE TO FROM HERE?', in Commemorations and Memorials: Exploring the Human Face of Anatomy, World Scientific, pp. 195 - 196, http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/9789813143159_0014
- Pather N; Ashwell K, 2017, 'A moment of hope: thanksgiving services for families of donors', in Strkalj G; Pather N (ed.), Commemorations and Memorials: Exploring the Human Face of Anatomy, World Scientific, pp. 173 - 180, http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/9789813143159_bmatter
- Strkalj G; Pather N, 2017, 'Exploring the Human Face of Anatomy', in Commemorations and memorials: Exploring the human face of anatomy, World Scientific Publishing, Singapore, pp. 1 - 14, http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/9789813143159_bmatter
- Štrkalj G; Pather N, 2017, 'INTRODUCTION', in Commemorations and Memorials, pp. 1 - 14, http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/9789813143159_0001
- Pather N; Ashwell K, 2017, 'A Moment of hope: Thanksgiving services for families of donors', in Commemorations and Memorials: Exploring the Human Face of Anatomy, pp. 173 - 180, http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/9789813143159_0012
- Štrkalj G; Pather N, 2017, 'Introduction', in Commemorations and Memorials: Exploring the Human Face of Anatomy, pp. 1 - 14, http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/9789813143159_0001
- Polly P; Vickery R; Thai T; Yang JL; Fath T; Herbert C; Jones N; Lewis T; Pather N; Schibeci S; Cox J, 2016, 'ePortfolios, Assessment and Professional Skills in the Medical Sciences', in Rowley J (ed.), ePortfolios in Australian Universities, Springer, Singapore, pp. 47 - 64, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-1732-2_4
- Pather N, 2015, 'Teaching Anatomy: Prosections and Dissections', in Teaching Anatomy, Springer International Publishing, pp. 213 - 221, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-08930-0_24
- Pather N, 2015, 'The Pros And Cons Of Dissection And Prosection', in Chan LK; Pawlina W (ed.), Teaching anatomy: a practical guide, Springer
- Strkalj G; Pather N, 2005, 'Phillip Vallentine Tobias and his voyages in science: a biographical sketch', in Voyages in Science Essays by South African Anatomists in Honour of Phillip V. Tobias's 80th Birthday, Content Solutions, Pretoria, pp. 3 - 11
- Pather N, 2005, 'The pterion: is this a reliable surgical landmark', in Voyages in Science Essays by South African Anatomists in Honour of Phillip V. Tobias's 80th Birthday, pp. 225 - 234
- Edited Books
- Pather N; Strkalj G, (ed.), 2017, Commemorations and Memorials: Exploring the Human Face of Anatomy, 1, World Scientific Publishing Company, http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/9789813143159
Journal articles
- Blaich R; Pather N; Prvan T; Engel R; Hulme A; Strkalj G, 2021, 'Anatomy knowledge retention in Australian osteopathic training: A comparative study', European Journal of Anatomy, vol. 25, pp. 433 - 445
- Štrkalj G; Pather N, 2021, 'Beyond the Sex Binary: Toward the Inclusive Anatomical Sciences Education', Anatomical Sciences Education, vol. 14, pp. 513 - 518, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ase.2002
- Matar I; Lucas T; Gregory L; Byun S; Morris S; Pather N, 2021, 'Quantifying the ossification of the carpus: Radiographic standards for age estimation in a New South Wales paediatric population', Forensic Science International: Reports, vol. 3, pp. 100211 - 100211, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fsir.2021.100211
- Maloney S; Pather N; Foo J; Lazarus MD, 2021, 'Spending Wisely: The Role of Cost and Value Research in the Pursuit of Advancing Anatomical Sciences Education', Anatomical Sciences Education, vol. 14, pp. 263 - 269, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ase.2027
- Giuriato R; Štrkalj G; Prvan T; Hulme A; Pather N, 2021, 'Musculoskeletal anatomy knowledge in Australian chiropractors', Anatomical Sciences Education, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ase.2117
- Giuriato R; Štrkalj G; Prvan T; Pather N, 2020, 'Australian chiropractors' perception of the clinical relevance of anatomical sciences and adequacy of teaching in chiropractic curricula', Chiropractic and Manual Therapies, vol. 28, pp. 37, http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12998-020-00325-6
- Hutchinson EF; Kramer B; Billings BK; Brits DM; Pather N, 2020, 'The Law, Ethics and Body Donation: A Tale of Two Bequeathal Programs', Anatomical Sciences Education, vol. 13, pp. 512 - 519, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ase.1922
- Birbara NS; Sammut C; Pather N, 2020, 'Virtual Reality in Anatomy: A Pilot Study Evaluating Different Delivery Modalities', Anatomical Sciences Education, vol. 13, pp. 445 - 457, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ase.1921
- Pather N; Blyth P; Chapman JA; Dayal MR; Flack NAMS; Fogg QA; Green RA; Hulme AK; Johnson IP; Meyer AJ; Morley JW; Shortland PJ; Štrkalj G; Štrkalj M; Valter K; Webb AL; Woodley SJ; Lazarus MD, 2020, 'Forced Disruption of Anatomy Education in Australia and New Zealand: An Acute Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic', Anatomical Sciences Education, vol. 13, pp. 284 - 300, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ase.1968
- Giuriato R; Štrkalj G; Meyer AJ; Pather N, 2020, 'Anatomical Sciences in Chiropractic Education: A Survey of Chiropractic Programs in Australia', Anatomical Sciences Education, vol. 13, pp. 37 - 47, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ase.1871
- Birbara NS; Pather N, 2020, 'Real Or Not Real: The Impact of the Physical Fidelity of Virtual Learning Resources on Learning Anatomy', Anatomical Sciences Education, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ase.2022
- Kramer B; Hartmann C; Toit FD; Hutchinson E; Pather N, 2020, 'Supporting early career anatomists: An international challenge', Annals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger, pp. 151520 - 151520, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aanat.2020.151520
- Ho VW; Meng M; Hwang GJ; Pather N; Kumar RK; Vickery RM; Velan GM, 2019, 'Knowledge Maps: an Online Tool for Knowledge Mapping with Automated Feedback', Medical Science Educator, vol. 29, pp. 625 - 629, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40670-019-00736-y
- Byun S; Pather N, 2019, 'Pediatric regional anesthesia: A review of the relevance of surface anatomy and landmarks used for peripheral nerve blockades in infants and children', Clinical Anatomy, vol. 32, pp. 803 - 823, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ca.23406
- Byun S; Gordon J; Jacob T; Morris S; Pather N, 2019, 'A CT and MRI study of the variations of the sciatic nerve branches of the pediatric knee: implications for peripheral nerve blockade', Clinical Anatomy, vol. 32, pp. 836 - 850, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ca.23412
- Birbara NS; Otton JM; Pather N, 2019, '3D Modelling and Printing Technology to Produce Patient-Specific 3D Models', Heart Lung and Circulation, vol. 28, pp. 302 - 313, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hlc.2017.10.017
- Blaich R; Pather N; Luo K; Strkalj G, 2019, 'Australian Osteopathic Practitioners’ Perceptions of the Clinical Relevance of Anatomy', International Journal of Morphology, vol. 37, pp. 319 - 323, http://www.intjmorphol.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/art_50_371.pdf
- Otton JM; Birbara N; Hussain T; Griel G; Foley TA; Pather N, 2017, '3D printing from cardiovascular CT: a practical guide and review', Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy, vol. 7, pp. 1 - 20, http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/cdt.2017.01.12
- Otton J; Birbara N; Pather N, 2017, '3D Printing the Mitral Valve for Surgical Planning: Comparison Between Cardiac CT and 3D Echocardiography', Heart, Lung and Circulation, vol. 26, pp. S279 - S279, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hlc.2017.06.543
- Štrkalj G; Pather N, 2017, 'FRONT MATTER', , pp. i - xii, http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/9789813143159_fmatter
- Pather N; Yoon J, 2016, 'The Orbit: A re-appraisal of the surgical landmarks of the medial and lateral walls', Clinical Anatomy, vol. 29, pp. 998 - 1010, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ca.22787
- Guiriato R; Pather N; Ashwell K; Strkalj G, 2016, 'The Role of Anatomy Education in Facilitating Multidisciplinary Collaboration in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Conditions – an Example from Australia', International Journal of Morphology, vol. 34, pp. 1424 - 1428, http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0717-95022016000400041
- Yoo S; Dedova I; Pather N, 2015, 'An appraisal of the short lateral rotators of the hip joint', Clinical Anatomy, vol. 28, pp. 800 - 812, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ca.22568
- 2015, 'Abstracts presented at the Australian and New Zealand association of clinical anatomists (ANZACA) 11th annual meeting, “Anatomy in work and play,” 3rd to 5th December 2014, Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand', Clinical Anatomy, vol. 28, pp. 939 - 954, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ca.22520
- Štrkalj G; Pather N, 2014, 'A proposal for introducing a requirement to declare the provenience of cadavers in anatomy publications', Clinical Anatomy, vol. 27, pp. 512 - 513, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ca.22390
- Lee AS; Anderson JE; Joya JE; Head SI; Pather N; Kee AJ; Gunning PW; Hardeman EC, 2013, 'Aged skeletal muscle retains the ability to fully regenerate functional architecture', BioArchitecture, vol. 3, pp. 25 - 37, http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/bioa.24966
- Strkalj G; Pather N, 2013, 'Phillip V. Tobias as an anatomist', Clinical Anatomy, vol. 26, pp. 423 - 429, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ca.22163
- Olateju O; Pather N; Kramer B, 2012, 'The proliferative effect of all-trans retinoic acid during wound healing: A compromised effect in the presence of dimethyl sulphoxide', WOUND PRACTICE AND RESEARCH, vol. 20, pp. 190 - 196, http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000437921400004&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=891bb5ab6ba270e68a29b250adbe88d1
- Pather N; Kramer B, 2012, 'Bulbine Natalensis and Bulbine Frutescens Promote Cutaneous Wound Healing.', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 142, pp. 523 - 532, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.09.034
- Olateju OI; Pather N; Kramer B, 2012, 'The proliferative effect of all-trans retinoic acid during wound healing: A compromised effect in the presence of dimethyl sulphoxide', Wound practice and research, vol. 20(4), pp. 1 - 7
- Strkalj G; Schroder T; Pather DN; Solyali V, 2011, 'A preliminary assessment of the fifth-year chiropractic students’ knowledge of anatomy', THE JOURNAL OF ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE, vol. 17, pp. 63 - 66, http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/acm.2010.0157
Awards
2016 Australian Office of Learning and Teaching Citation
2016 Wits Diaspora Fellowship: Blended Learning Integration
2015 UNSW Vice Chancellor’s Award: Teaching Excellence
2015 UNSW Medicine Faculty Teaching Award: Teaching Excellence
2015 UNSW SoMS Teaching Award: Teaching Excellence
2015 UNSW Medicine Faculty Teaching Award: Innovation in Learning & Teaching
2013 UNSW SoMS Teaching Award: New Lecturer
2012 Wits Medicine Faculty Research Award: New Researcher
Grants
2016 Carnegie/Wits Diaspora Fellowship
2016 UNSW Strategic Educational Development Grant
2015 Health Workforce Australia Grant
2015 UNSW Strategic Educational Development Grant
2014 UNSW Strategic Educational Development Grant
2014 BEST Network Partner Grant
2011 Ramaciotti Establishment Grant
2008-2010 National Research Foundation (South Africa)
Media
My Research Activities
Invited Academic Talks:
UNSW:
- UNSW Scientia Education Lecture, November 2020
- UNSW Learning and Teaching Connections Seminar, Invited Seminar: 2012, 2015, 2016
- UNSW Learning and Teaching Forum, Invited Speaker: 2013, 2014, 2015. 2016, 2018
- UNSW Medicine TELT, Invited Speaker: 2013, 2015
Australia and New Zealand:
- BEST Network Summit, Invited Speaker: University of Sydney, 2015
- Australian Catholic University Health Innovation Symposium, Invited Speaker: Sydney, 2012
- ANZ Association of Clinical Anatomists, Invited Speaker: Sydney, 2012
- ANZ Association of Clinical Anatomists, Invited Speaker: University of Queensland, 2013
- BEST Network Launch, Invited Speaker: University of Melbourne, 2013
- Macquarie University Teaching Forum: May 2014
International:
- 2020 Virtual IFAA Anatomy Symposium 'World Anatomy Day'
- 2014 International Federation of Anatomical Associations (IFAA) Congress, Invited Symposia Speaker: China, 2014
- Wits Learning and Teaching Forum, Keynote Speaker: South Africa, 2015
- BEST Webinar, Invited Speaker: International Webinar, 2015
- Meeting of the International Federation of Anatomical Associations (IFAA), Invited Symposia Speaker: South Africa, 2009
My Research Supervision
Supervision keywords
Areas of supervision
Medical Education
- Immersive/virtual reality
- Technology-enabled learning
- Student engagement and learning
- Collaborative learning and teamwork
- Cognitive load theory
Clinical, Radiological and Surgical Anatomy
- Paediatric anatomy
- Radiomics
- Cardiovascular - hypertensive changes
- Prostate Benign Hyperplasia
Currently supervising
Current PhDs
- Standards for anatomical education in health professional programs
- Paediatric anatomy in health practice
- 3D printing and immersive reality for surgical planning