In Scientific Dialogue With...WIRF Podcast

#9 In Scientific Dialogue With...Angela Courtney

Women and Infants Research Foundation Season 1 Episode 9

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0:00 | 28:14

#9 In Scientific Dialogue With... Angela Courtney, Advocate for parent voices in research and care 

Welcome to the In Scientific Dialogue With...Pioneers in Women’s and Maternal HealthPodcast series that celebrates the pioneers shaping the future of women’s, maternal, and newborn health.

This series shines a spotlight on the incredible individuals driving innovation in healthcare - medical researchers, clinicians, nurses, midwives, professionals in allied health, and community members. Each episode features guests who are transforming the landscape of maternal care, with a focus on groundbreaking research and clinical practices having a direct impact on the lives of women and babies in WA.

From preterm birth prevention to maternal mental health, neonatology, gynaecology, and more, we’ll explore the diverse and inspiring work of those at the forefront of these vital fields. These champions are not just advancing science but are truly changing the way we care for mothers and newborns.

So, sit back and join us….

In Scientific Dialogue With… Episode 9 In Scientific Dialogue With...Angela Courtney

Joining us is Angela Courtney. Angela brings lived experience and professional expertise to her advocacy for women, infants, and families. As a mother who navigated an extended and complex Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) journey with her son Hunter, alongside her husband James, Angela has firsthand insight into the critical importance of research, family-centred care, and clear communication during vulnerable periods.

Hunter was born at 25 weeks’ gestation, weighing 560 grams, and spent over five months in NICU. During this time, Angela and James experienced the realities of extreme prematurity, including prolonged hospitalisation, surgeries, and ongoing outpatient care. Their journey spanned King Edward Memorial Hospital’s NICU and continued through surgical and outpatient support at Perth Children’s Hospital, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of neonatal and paediatric care across the care continuum.

This lived experience has shaped Angela’s strong passion for improving outcomes for growth-restricted and extremely premature babies, with a particular focus on antenatal identification, early intervention, and consistent post-birth support for families. She is committed to ensuring that research is translated into practice in a way that is accessible and meaningful from a consumer perspective.

Professionally, Angela is an experienced business leader and civil project manager, bringing strong governance capability, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement skills to advisory and community roles. She is a strong advocate for the inclusion of parent voices in shaping research priorities and healthcare delivery, believing that collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and families is essential to achieving lasting, positive change.

Welcome, Angela — thank you for being here. 

 #WIRF #Womenshealth 

Disclaimer:

The information shared is for education and awareness and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice.

If this conversation raises concerns for you or someone you know, support is available. In Australia, you can contact the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) at https://www.cope.org.au, or Lifeline at https://www.lifeline.org.au or by calling 13 11 14. You can also speak with your GP, midwife, or other healthcare provider.