Ruth De Souza

Speaker, writer, researcher and consultant
About MeBrowse Research
;

Currently Academic Convenor of The Data, Systems and Society Research Network (DSSRN) and Honorary Senior Research Fellow in Clinical Informatics and Population Health Informatics at the University of Melbourne

k

Speaking and facilitation

I am an experienced speaker, presenter, MC and facilitator with specific professional expertise in cultural safety, maternity, cultural issues in health, migration and health, social inclusion, mental health and more. My style is variously described as intelligent, knowledgeable, warm, clear, dynamic, energetic and refreshing.

Consulting

I have had a consulting practice since 2000 and engaged in projects including: facilitation, consultation, strategic planning,
stakeholder engagement
organisational development,
research,
training and project management
g

Research and writing

I have a passionate interest in culture and health. My main theoretical interests are feminist theory, postcolonial theory and critical qualitative research methodologies. My work includes empirical studies and theoretical investigations into sites where health inequities are found, including refugee, migrant and indigenous communities; maternity and mental health.

From The Blog

Cultural safety in the arts

Jan 24, 2020 | 0 Comments

Robyn Higgins and I wrote a chapter about cultural safety in the arts in an exciting new book about community engaged arts practice The Relationship is the Project edited by Jade Lillie with Kate Larsen, Cara Kirkwood and Jax Jacki Brown. It is exciting to be in such...

The potential and pitfalls of AI.

Jan 14, 2020 | 0 Comments

I wrote a piece for the Australian College of Nursing’s (ACN) quarterly publication. Cite as: DeSouza, R. (Summer 2019/20 edition). The potential and pitfalls of AI. The Hive (Australian College of Nursing), 28(10-11). Many thanks to Gemma Lea Saravanos for the photo....

Cultural safety: On healing the health system through partnership

May 20, 2019 | 0 Comments

Cultural safety in health is the radical idea that people who use health services should be treated with competence, care and respect, so that their dignity and sovereignty are maintained, and not compromised by the system of health care. Both an ethical framework for...

We need more than diversity in nursing.

Nov 14, 2018 | 0 Comments

I wrote a piece for the Spring 2018 edition (Issue 23) of the Hive (the Australian College of Nursing’s quarterly publication). Cite as:DeSouza, R. (2018). Is it enough? :Why we need more than diversity in nursing. The Hive (23, 14-15). You can also download a pdf of...

Five myths about cultural safety

Mar 26, 2018 | 0 Comments

The new Codes of Conduct for Nurses and Midwives in Australia have made the news. The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia  (NMBA) have set expectations around culturally safe practice in the health system for nurses and midwives who comprise the largest workforce...

Testimonials & Featured Clients

I am your newest fan-girl! You’re terrific at what you do – so clever, engaging, insightful and you obviously live and breathe this stuff with everyone you interact with. I think you bring incredible light to new ways of thinking and on both occasions I’ve left feeling inspired (to use an over-used word), challenged, refreshed, with new knowledge and like more and better things are possible.

Verity Boaro, La Trobe University, Melbourne 

…the team absolutely loved your work and your ability to engage with all disciplines and different knowledge levels.

Chiedza Malunga, Monash Health

Ruth was wonderful to work with – responsive, highly experienced, and understood our organisational context very well. Her workshop was very engaging and appropriately challenging. I’d have no hesitation in inviting her back!

Tseen Khoo, La Trobe University, Melbourne

Ruth was wonderful to work with – responsive, highly experienced, and understood our organisational context very well. Her workshop was very engaging and appropriately challenging. I’d have no hesitation in inviting her back!

Tseen Khoo, La Trobe University, Melbourne

Ruth was wonderful to work with – responsive, highly experienced, and understood our organisational context very well. Her workshop was very engaging and appropriately challenging. I’d have no hesitation in inviting her back!

Tseen Khoo, La Trobe University, Melbourne

All Work