Vice Chancellor’s Fellow
Design and Creative Practice
RMIT University and Honorary Senior Research Fellow,
Centre for Digital Transformation of Health at The University of Melbourne
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.
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
- Book review: This Bridge called my backI have been a long-time fan of the New Zealand Mental Health Foundation. Starting in 1996 I did some workshops in Northland and around for the community about Depression, while I worked in perinatal mental health. Later, I co-produced a brochure about … Continue reading “Book review: This Bridge called my back”
- Lessons on exclusion from past pandemicsI wrote a piece for the Summer 2021/22 edition (Issue 36) of the Hive (the Australian College of Nursing’s quarterly publication). Cite as: De Souza, R. (2021). Lessons on exclusion from past pandemics. The Hive, 36, 16–17. You can also download a … Continue reading “Lessons on exclusion from past pandemics”
- Collaboration and care: Deborah Kelly and No Human Being is Illegal (In All Our Glory)When I was a nursing student I remember someone telling me “Nurses care, and Doctors cure”. Apparently, our job was the former, in the biomedical division of labor. I was shocked when I began my clinical experience to find that the health … Continue reading “Collaboration and care: Deborah Kelly and No Human Being is Illegal (In All Our Glory)”
TESTIMONIALS AND 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