Whitlam Orthopaedic Research Centre Pty Ltd

The Whitlam Orthopaedic Research Centre (WORC) is a not-for-profit charity committed to enhancing healthcare outcomes and minimizing associated harms, with a particular focus on musculoskeletal conditions. Founded in 2009, the Centre honours Edward Gough Whitlam, a transformative Australian Prime Minister known for landmark reforms in education and healthcare. WORC is strategically positioned within the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research in southwest Sydney, Australia, and collaborates closely with the University of NSW, the University of Sydney, and NSW Health.

Mission and Vision

WORC’s mission is firmly rooted in fostering and supporting evidence-based healthcare research that is not only scientific but deeply patient-focused. The Centre envisions a world where interventions in orthopaedic surgery lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced harm, benefiting society at large.

Main Objectives

At its core, WORC aims to support clinically relevant research. By focusing on the outcomes for patients and the broader community, the Centre seeks to disseminate scientific knowledge that augments health standards. One of its main objectives is to bridge the gap between research findings and clinical practice, ensuring that the latest, scientifically-validated methods are employed in treating musculoskeletal conditions.

Benefiting Groups

Beneficiaries of WORC’s efforts include healthcare providers, orthopaedic professionals, and ultimately, patients who suffer from musculoskeletal ailments. By equipping healthcare professionals with best practice insights, WORC indirectly improves the quality of care received by these patients.

Services and Activities

The Centre engages in multiple research initiatives, including the notable CROSSFIRE study, a multicentre randomised and observational study investigating treatments for wrist fractures in older patients. By supporting the educational activities and research of its directors, Ian Harris and Justine Naylor, WORC facilitates the advancement of orthopaedic health knowledge. Additionally, as a charity, it welcomes donations, which are tax-deductible in Australia, to further its mission of improving orthopaedic healthcare outcomes.