
MBBS (Hons), PhD, FRACP, SFHEA, FANZAPHE, FHERDSA, GradDip Bioethics, GradCert University Learning & Teaching,
I am an academic leader and medical educator, as well as a practicing clinician with specialist qualifications in Infectious Diseases, with particular expertise in vaccinations. My teaching philosophy is student centred and incorporates adult learning theories with the latest available modalities for designing and delivering medical education. I am passionate about innovation in education, partnering with students, role modelling, and mentoring. My focus is on the development of a forward looking curriculum which integrates teaching students problem solving, analytical thinking, reflective practice, communication skills and teamwork with more traditional medical content and competencies. As head of the School of Clinical Medicine, I am also working on calibration of the student experience by creation of resources and professional development of our clinical teaching staff.
I also champion equity and inclusive leadership, and was the Gender Champion at UNSW between 2018-2020 working with the Division of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Research Interests:
There are two main areas of interest. One is in clinical infectious diseases and the other is medical education research.
Broad Research Areas:
Clinical Research, Medical Education, Infectious Diseases
Qualifications:
MBBS (Hons), PhD, FRACP. SFHEA, AFANZAPHE, FHERDSA, GradDip Bioethics, GradCert University Learning & Teaching,
Society Memberships & Professional Activities:
FRACP, Australian Society of Infectious Diseases; Infectious diseases society of America; Australasian Bioethics Association; ANZAPHE, HERDSA, ASM
Specific Research Keywords:
Medical education; Clinical Ethics; Infectious Diseases; Immunology and Infectious Disease; Clinical education; Immunisation
2017 - Faculty of Medicine Excellence in Teaching Award
2019 - UNSW Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching (UNSW)
2021 - AAUT Citation for Excellence in Teaching (National award)
2022 - Education Innovation Award (UNSW)
Immunisation of patients with special needs; surgical infections; influenza immunisation
Clinical infectious Diseases
Curriculum design - evaluation of innovations
Adrienne Torda is an internationally recognised leader in Medical education and innovation.
She champions diversity and inclusivity and was a gender co-champion at UNSW from 2019 - 2021. She is also on the steering committee of the Women's Wellbeing Academy and the Athena Swan Self assessment team.
She is the faculty representative to the Medical Deans of Australia and New Zealand, the Medical Education Collaborative Committee and the MDANZ representative to the Australian Medical Council - Digitalisation of the Medical Workforce steering comittee.
She is also a member of the TGA Australian Vaccine Committee, which has oversight of vaccine registrations in Australia and a consultant for vaccine registrations for WHO.
My Research Supervision
ILP, PhD
My Teaching
Vice Dean and Head, School of Clinical Medicine
Associate Dean, Education and Innovation (2019-2021)
I teach into all phases of the Medical program and oversee teaching within the School of Clinical Medicine
Education Focused champion and mentor
Mentor - Women in Medicine society