Akta Gurung is studying Biomedical Science at UWA, majoring in Microbiology and Immunology, and recently supported a promising research program with the Department of Health through a McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship.
The role involved assisting to coordinate the Surfing Intervention for Paediatric Patients program, a research initiative of the Perth Children’s Hospital with the Department of Health. Akta undertook patient recruitment on hospital wards as well as trying a surfing lesson herself!
“A pilot study was completed in 2018 by researchers at the Perth Children’s Hospital with children with Cystic Fibrosis and their families, which demonstrated positive trends in both emotional and physical health and family relationships,” Akta said.
“Building upon this success, the research team wanted to expand the program to other patients with chronic illnesses, including Post-burn Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Type 1 Diabetes, Oncology Disease, and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis,
“Surfing together with some of the patients was the most rewarding aspect of my internship; observing the genuine enjoyment and positive impact that the program had on their lives filled me with immense pride and deepened my sense of purpose,” she said.
“These young individuals have experienced tangible positive changes in various aspects of their well-being, be it physical, mental, or psychological. By participating in the program, they were able to experience the joy of surfing, which in turn contributed to their physical well-being,
“Engaging in physical activity, even within the constraints of their conditions, allowed them to build strength, improve motor skills, and enhance overall physical health,” Akta said.
Joanna White, Senior Clinical Psychologist and internship supervisor, said that Akta’s contribution to the program had an impact in many ways.
“We were very grateful for Akta’s valuable contribution to this project, including her engagement with families, and her knowledge of data management processes and research literature in this emerging field of adjunctive interventions for paediatric patients,” she said.
Akta said that while the surfing was the most rewarding aspect of her internship, it was also a significant personal challenge she had to tackle.
“As someone who lacked swimming skills, venturing into the ocean and summoning the courage to ride a wave was undeniably daunting,
“I recognised the importance of pushing aside my fears and embracing this opportunity,
“The resilience and bravery of the paediatric patients with chronic conditions also inspired me… witnessing their enthusiasm and determination served as a profound eye-opener for me. Their courage and willingness to step outside their comfort zones inspired me to re-evaluate my own reservations.”