Sonographer to scan the world for rural health solutions
CQUniversity alumnus Paula Kinnane has advanced sonography across clinical, academic and research settings – and this commitment to healthcare equity has now been recognised with a prestigious 2025 Churchill Fellowship.
With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, Ms Kinnane’s sonography career has combined compassionate patient care with leadership roles in professional advocacy.
She currently works with the Australasian Sonographers Association (ASA), developing clinical guidelines and professional development resources, while also volunteering with organisations including Radiology Across Borders to deliver ultrasound training in developing nations.
Ms Kinnane’s Fellowship project will take her to the UK, Norway and New Zealand, to explore international models of sonographer reporting.
“In countries like the UK, independent sonographer reporting has existed for more than 30 years. It reduces wait times, improves outcomes and allows sonographers to work to their full scope,” Ms Kinnane explained.
“In Australia, particularly in rural and remote areas, patients can wait weeks or travel hundreds of kilometres for follow-up care.
Expanding sonographer roles could make healthcare more efficient, equitable and responsive – especially for communities who need it most.”
As a proud CQU graduate and former academic, Ms Kinnane said her association with the University had played a vital role in shaping her passion for regional and Indigenous health.
She said the Fellowship had built on this long-standing commitment to improving regional healthcare access.
“Last year, a member of my family who lived rurally passed away after struggling to access timely health services. That loss reinforced my determination to help address the inequities faced by rural and remote communities,” she said.
“Also, CQU’s commitment to regional and First Nations communities really resonated with me. It instilled in me a belief that quality healthcare should never depend on your postcode.
"My Churchill Fellowship is very much an extension of that ethos.”
She said she hoped the insights gained overseas would inform national discussions and reforms around scope of practice for sonographers in Australia.
“Ultimately, I’d love to see sonographers reporting findings in rural and regional Australia, reducing unnecessary delays and improving continuity of care for patients.
"This Fellowship is a chance to bring back evidence-based solutions that could genuinely transform health outcomes,” Ms Kinnane said.
“Sonographers are incredibly skilled and proud professionals. We often work behind the scenes, but we have enormous potential to innovate and lead.
“I’m honoured to represent Australian sonographers on the international stage and to bring those lessons home.”
Explore study pathways at CQU's Sonography website.
