I worked as a physiotherapist, primarily in the area of Geriatric Rehabilitation for 25 years working in Australia, Britain, Italy and Saudi Arabia.  I gained a masters degree in Gerontology in 1995.  In 2001 I volunteered with Australian Volunteers International, developing home rehabilitation services in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon.  In 2004 I returned to Lebanon, working with Caritas Austria, as a technical advisor to help develop comprehensive aged care services with local NGOs.  


I found the chronic illnesses of old age, such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension caused considerable difficulties for elderly refugees.  Organisations working with refugees considered it was increasing and development of these conditions was poorly understood among refugees.  Therefore in 2008 I enrolled in Public Health, Flinders University as a research student, undertaking research to examine the factors affecting the development of chronic illness among the Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon.  I approached Flinders Public Health because of its expertise and focus focus on the social determinants of health and international health.  


I hope that a greater understanding of the factors affecting the long term health of refugees will help manage refugee management, as well as contributing to the body of knowledge on chronic illnesses in general.