Tiffany Gill

Dr Tiffany Gill

Grant-Funded Researcher (C)

Adelaide Medical School

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.

Dr Tiffany Gill is a Senior Research Fellow in the Adelaide Medical School at the University of Adelaide. Between 2011 and 2015 she was an NHMRC Early Career Fellow focusing on epidemiological issues and health system impacts (including costs) of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions (particularly osteoarthritis (OA), osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)) within Australia. She originally trained as a physiotherapist and then developed a research interest focusing on the epidemiology of musculoskeletal conditions. Prior to joining the University, she worked as a physiotherapist in both the public and private sectors and as a chronic disease epidemiologist with SA Health. She is a Chief Investigator for the North West Adelaide Health Study, a cohort study in the northern and western suburbs of South Australia.
Over the last 10 years she has secured $3.8 million for her program of work, including NHMRC and MRFF funding. She has mentored and supervised both undergraduate and postgraduate students and early career researchers.
Tiffany is passionate about addressing the impact of musculoskeletal conditions on the population and translating research findings to the population. She was a long term member of the Board of Arthritis SA (2004-2023) and has had the roles of both Vice President and President. Since 2023 she has been a member of the Board of Governors, The Hospital Research Foundation - Arthritis. Tiffany's research continues to aim to increase population awareness and the focus of policy makers on the epidemiological, health economics and population effects of musculoskeletal disorders in the population.

The epidemiology of musculoskeletal conditions in the population

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions impact on every aspect of a person’s life and bring pain, suffering, inequality and disability into the lives of adults and children. Most of us know someone with an acute or chronic MSK problem such as neck, back or foot pain, or arthritis. MSK conditions not only affect the sufferer but also involve people around them, who are relied on for care, creating an additional burden. MSK problems lack targeting data, have inadequate policy support and costs are underestimated, yet the accrued impact on disability adjusted life years is considerable. My work focuses on the epidemiology of musculoskeletal conditions. My broad vision is that this work will assist in understanding the patterns and intervening with MSK conditions in Australia. Further, it will provide new insights to guide the development of more effective intervention and treatment strategies, and assist with future planning of health care services for MSK conditions in Australia, and potentially internationally.

Current projects

Projects utilise data from the North West Adelaide Health Study (NWAHS), a cohort study in the north western suburbs of Adelaide. Data have been collected over a 20 year period, with data relating to back pain available over the past 15 years. Also available are covariates such as other chronic diseases, risk factors, quality of life, Medical Benefits Scheme, Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, biomedical and linkages to hospital admissions/ emergency and outpatient data. Originally, over 4000 participants were recruited to the study and in 2015, over 1500 took part in a postal survey. In 2020, a COVID related survey was undertaken with approximately 1000 North West participants. The data relating to musculoskeletal conditions is one of the largest data collections of this type in Australia.

Project 1

Title: Back pain in the community

Description: Back pain is a significant problem in the Australian population which impacts on quality of life and the ability to undertake work and leisure activities.

By using the data and examining those who

1) have back pain,

2) develop back pain over the period of the study, and

3) don’t develop back pain;

we can understand the condition more fully and develop strategies to reduce the problem in the community.

Projects available for: Honours and HDR

Location: SAHMRI

Research project start: Semester 1 and 2

Special requirements: None

 

Project 2

Title: Hand pain in the community

Description: Hand pain impacts on quality of life and the ability to undertake work and leisure activities.

By using the data and examining those who

1) have hand pain,

2) develop hand pain over the period of the study, and

3) don’t develop hand pain;

we can understand the condition more fully and develop strategies to reduce the problem in the community.

Projects available for: Honours and HDR

Location: SAHMRI

Research project start: Semester 1 and 2

Special requirements: None

 

Project 3

Title: Use of imaging for back pain in the community

Description: Imaging for back pain is a significant cost to the community and may not be beneficial

By using the NWAHS data and examining those who used services related to imaging and surgery for back pain we can determine the impact and costs for these services on the health care budget.

Projects available for: Honours and HDR

Location: SAHMRI

Research project start: Semester 1 and 2

Special requirements: None

 

Project 4

Title: Use of imaging for shoulder pain in the community

Description: Imaging for shoulder pain is a significant cost to the community and may not be beneficial

By using the NWAHS data and examining those who used services related to imaging and surgery for shoulder pain we can determine the impact and costs for these services on the health care budget.

Projects available for: Honours and HDR

Location: SAHMRI

Research project start: Semester 1 and 2

Special requirements: None

 

Media
The Daily Mail - 23/2/2017

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4251198/Foot-pain-depends-age-lifestyle-lead.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490

Medical Express – 28/2/2017

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-02-foot-pain-clusters.html

The Advertiser - 24/2/2017

Advertiser article relating to work on foot pain in the population

  • Appointments
    Date Position Institution name
    2023 - ongoing Centre Coordinator University of Adelaide
    2022 - ongoing Postgraduate Coordinator Manager University of Adelaide
    2015 - 2022 Senior Research Fellow University of Adelaide
    2011 - 2015 NHMRC Early Career Fellow University of Adelaide

  • Awards and Achievements
    Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
    2019 Award Community Volunteering Award for University Staff University of Adelaide Australia -
    2019 Fellowship Barbara Kidman Fellowship University of Adelaide Australia -
    2015 Recognition Life Membership Arthritis SA Australia -
    2008 Recognition Recognition of Service Australian Physiotherapy Association - -
    2008 Recognition Recognition of Service Australian Physiotherapy Association - SA Branch Australia -
    2004 Recognition Recognition of Service Australian Physiotherapy Association Australia -
    2004 Recognition Recognition of Service Australian Physiotherapy Association - SA Branch Australia -
    2004 Recognition Recognition of Service Australian Physiotherapy Association - SA Branch Australia -
    1999 Teaching Award Excellence in Teaching Award University of SA Australia -
    1998 Award Chancellors Award for Community Service University of SA Australia -

  • Education
    Date Institution name Country Title
    Monash University Australia PGradDip(Biostatistics)
    Southern Cross University Australia MBA
    Flinders University Australia PhD
    Curtin University Australia PGradDip(Hlth Sc)
    Monash University Australia GradCert(Hlth Ec)
    University of South Australia Australia MAppSc(Physio)
    South Australian Institute of Technology Australia BAppSc(Physio)

  • Research Interests
    Arthritis & Rheumatology Biostatistics Bone and Bones Epidemiology Health Economics Physiotherapy Public Health Rheumatology and Arthritis Musculoskeletal Health

Competitive Research Funding

National Competitive Schemes

 

Date Project/No. Investigators Funding Body Amount
2021-24   CIA Daniel M. AII Gill TK NHMRC $901,564
2020-23   Gill TK, Adams RJ, Hill CL, Lovato N Hospital Research Foundation $129,653
2020-25   Hillier S, Olds T, Maher C, Gill TK, Esterman A, Khadka J, Adams R, Hill C, Keogh J MRFF $780,670
2020-24   Inacio M, Crotty M, Williams H, Caughey G, Harvey G, Wesselingh S, Roder D, Khadka J, Gill TK, Sluggett J MRFF $1,435,801
2020   Gill TK, Reynolds AC, Appleton SL, Adams RJ Arthritis Australia $25,000
2018-20   Findlay DM, Cao X, Kuliwaba J, Gill TK, Solomon LB NHMRC $634,359
2016   Hoon EH, Frank O, Gill TK, Hill CL, Laurence C Arthritis Australia $40,000
2015-16   Adams RJ, Taylor AW, Gill TK, McEvoy D, Antic N Sleep Health Australia $20,000
2015   Hoon EH, Hill CL, Gill TK Arthritis Australia $10,000
2014   Shanahan EM, Gill TK, Hill CL Arthritis Australia $30.000
2012   Gill TK, Hill CL, Shanahan EM, Allison D Arthritis Australia $15,000
2011-15 APP1013552 Gill, Tiffany K NHMRC $290,032

 

Teaching Activites 

Courses Taught

Date Course Title Institution Course Level/ Code URL
2016 Musculoskeletal Medicine The University of Adelaide 3720_MEDIC_ST_4018BHO  

  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2025 Co-Supervisor Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods Consumption on Glycaemic Control, Gastric Emptying and Gut Microbiota in Individuals with Obesity: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Ruofei Cheng
    2024 Co-Supervisor Promoting timely and effective engagement in healthcare by men Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Dr Sam Tafari
    2022 Principal Supervisor Consumption Patterns of Ultra-Processed Foods and Risk of Chronic Respiratory Diseases (Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Lung Cancer) among Adult Populations Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Tefera chane Mekonnen

  • Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2019 - 2023 Principal Supervisor The epidemiology of multisite pain and hip pain conditions in the adult South Australian population Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Claudia Kurkammz
    2018 - 2022 Principal Supervisor Co-Creation of a Person-Centred Integrated Digital Health Model of Care for Fragility Hip Fractures: A Mixed Methods Pragmatic Research Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Lalit Dinesh Yadav
    2018 - 2021 Principal Supervisor The Association between Nutrition and Depression Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Prem Raj Shakya
    2015 - 2019 Co-Supervisor The establishment of an automated, electronic data-collection system for the purpose of qualifying, evaluating and improving post-operative surgical outcomes and evidence-based surgery Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Dr James Marcus McLean
    2015 - 2018 Co-Supervisor Diet and Epidemiology of Non-communicable Chronic Diseases: focusing on dietary and nutrient patterns and bone fragility in adults Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Yohannes Adama Melaku
    2013 - 2017 Co-Supervisor Prescription Medicines, Over-the-Counter Medicines and Complementary and Alternative Medicines Use in Baby Boomers and Older South Australians and their Association with Health Outcomes (as Assessed by Health Services Use and Quality of Life) Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Miss Bee Leng Per
    2013 - 2020 Co-Supervisor Measuring the health status of informal and family caregivers - how, what and why Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Anne Florence Stacey
    2013 - 2019 Co-Supervisor A Multicentre Case Control Study of Vitamin D and Breast Cancer Risk among Pakistani Women Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Uzma Shamsi

  • Other Supervision Activities
    Date Role Research Topic Location Program Supervision Type Student Load Student Name
    2022 - 2022 Principal Supervisor Musculoskeletal epidemiology University of Adelaide Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Advanced) Other - Isaebella Priestley, Tyson Lorenz, Stephen Naylor, Ayers Yuan Ma
    2021 - 2021 Principal Supervisor Musculoskeletal epidemiology University of Adelaide Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Advanced) Other - Matilda Krywanio, Olivia Dukalskis, Joshua Giles, Chip Jones, Thomas Hardy
    2020 - 2020 Principal Supervisor Musculoskeletal epidemiology University of Adelaide Bachelor of Health and Medical Science (Advanced) Other - Georgia Madigan, Andrew Geraghty, Kye Gaskin
    2019 - 2019 Principal Supervisor Hip and knee pain University of Adelaide Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences (Advanced) Other - Aden Hilliard

  • Board Memberships
    Date Role Board name Institution name Country
    2023 - ongoing Member The Hospital Research Foundation - Arthritis The Hospital Research Foundation Australia
    2020 - 2023 Vice-President Arthritis SA Arthritis SA Australia
    2012 - 2015 Representative Faculty of Health Science Board The University of Adelaide Australia
    2011 - 2015 Member Australasian Epidemiological Association - Australia
    2004 - ongoing Member Arthritis SA - Australia
    2001 - 2003 President SA Branch Australian Physiotherapy Association SA Branch Australian Physiotherapy Association Australia

  • Committee Memberships
    Date Role Committee Institution Country
    2022 - ongoing Member Higher Degree by Research Committee University of Adelaide Australia
    2020 - ongoing Member OMERACT Working Group, Shared Decision Making Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Canada
    2020 - ongoing Member OMERACT Working Group, Flares in OA Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Canada
    2020 - 2023 Co-Chair Models of Care for Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis in SA Development Group Arthritis SA Australia
    2019 - 2023 Advisory Board Member Education, Research and Advocacy Committee Arthritis SA Australia
    2019 - ongoing Member OMERACT Working Group, Foot and Ankle Pain Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Canada
    2019 - 2021 Member Scientific Committee International Epidemiological Association Conference Melbourne 2021 United States
    2018 - ongoing Member Adelaide Medical School Research Committe The University of Adelaide Australia
    2014 - 2019 Chair Education, Research, Advocacy Committee Arthritis SA Australia
    2013 - ongoing Member Human Research Ethics Committee The University of Adelaide Australia
    2012 - ongoing Member Research Translation Faculty National Health and Medical Research Council Australia
    2012 - 2015 Member Postdoctoral Reference Group National Health and Medical Research Council Australia
    2011 - 2013 Chair Research Committee Arthritis SA Australia
    2004 - 2013 Chair Education Committee Arthritis SA Australia
    2004 - 2007 Representative National Advisory Council Australian Physiotherapy Association Australia

  • Consulting/Advisories
    Date Institution Department Organisation Type Country
    2022 - ongoing Arthritis Australia Rheumatoid Arthritis Consumer-focused Care Guide Reference Group Health services and related Australia
    2022 - ongoing Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Musculoskeletal Expert Advisory Group Health services and related Australia
    2015 - ongoing Department of Veteran's Affairs - Medical and Health Services Advisory Panel - Health services and related Australia
    2014 - ongoing Therapeutic Goods Administration - Assessment and Advisory Services Panel - Health services and related Australia

  • Editorial Boards
    Date Role Editorial Board Name Institution Country
    2020 - ongoing Associate Editor BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Springer Nature United Kingdom
    2020 - ongoing Associate Editor Health and Quality of Life Outcomes Springer Nature United Kingdom

  • Offices Held
    Date Office Name Institution Country
    2018 - ongoing President Arthritis SA Australia
    2012 - ongoing Vice President Arthritis SA Board Australia
  • Position: Grant-Funded Researcher (C)
  • Phone: 83131206
  • Email: tiffany.gill@adelaide.edu.au
  • Campus: North Terrace
  • Building: SAHMRI, floor 7
  • Org Unit: Medical Specialties
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