-
Principal Investigators
Prof. Christopher Gilfillan
Director of Endocrinology, Eastern Health since 2008
Clinical Professor, Department of Medicine, Eastern Clinical School, Monash University
Director Eastern Clinical Research Unit (ECRU) - Endocrinology
Professor Chris Gilfillan is currently the Director of Endocrinology at Eastern Health and has a private endocrine practice in Box Hill and Frankston. He oversees an active clinical research program and is the Principal Investigator on all the clinical trials within the department. He has clinical interests in all aspects of endocrinology and research interests in type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, thyroid cancer, osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease.
Through the Eastern Health Clinical School, he is a Clinical Professor at both Monash University and Deakin University and is involved in the teaching of medical students, and basic physician trainees in endocrinology and internal medicine.
He was awarded a Centenary Medal for services to diabetes on the Mornington Peninsula.
Manager
Vanessa Viola
Vanessa Viola is a Diabetes Educator and Research Nurse with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She aims to empower individuals to take control of their diabetes, making lifestyle modifications, adopting healthy habits, and managing their conditions effectively.
As a Team Leader, Vanessa is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment which allows the team to deliver high-quality care and support to patients. Beyond her professional achievements, Vanessa is an active advocate for research and research professionals and volunteers her time as treasurer of the Victorian Affiliation of Research Nurses.
In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys skiing and yoga, which she finds to be not only physically beneficial but also a great way to manage stress and maintain a positive outlook on life. Her passion for making a difference continues to inspire those around her and positively impacts the lives of many individuals facing the challenges of chronic health conditions.
Study Coordinators
Kerrie Peacock
Kerrie Peacock is a Credentialed Diabetes Educator and registered nurse having worked in research and private practice since 2006. Kerrie has been involved in many clinical trials with a focus on diabetes and weight loss.
Research has become her passion, the road to better treatments and outcomes for our existing and future generations.
Gabrielle Garner
Gabby Garner is a Division 1 Registered Nurse and Credentialed Diabetes Educator with the Australian Diabetes Educators Association. Gabby first graduated from university as a journalist, but after working in that field for a few years (and spending some time with the compassionate and fun-loving Endocrine team at Box Hill Hospital), Gabby realised her calling was actually to a career in healthcare.
She returned to university to study for a Bachelor’s Degree: Masters of Nursing Practice with Monash University and she has now worked in clinical trials for almost 15 years. Gabby’s main interests include endocrinology, particularly diabetes and its associated complications including heart & kidney disease.
Carolyn Harris
Carolyn is a Registered Nurse Division 2, who has worked within the ECRU Endocrinology department since 2004. She has worked on numerous trials whose therapeutic areas include sleep apnoea, osteoporosis and diabetes. She specialises in long term outcome trials which look at the effects of new medications on cardiovascular complications. She has a keen interest in promoting clinical trial participation and awareness within our community.
Vanessa James
Vanessa James is a Registered Nurse and Diabetes Nurse Educator, who started her career with Eastern Health in 1998. During her time with Eastern Health, Vanessa worked as a clinical nurse specialist and graduate nurse educator on a medical specialty ward. There Vanessa developed an appreciation of the complexities one may face having an endocrinology disorder, thus enhancing her desire to continue her career in education.
Vanessa believes research is the foundation for improved practice and technology, technology that we discover today will ultimately help someone tomorrow.
Start-Up & Ethics
Andriana Chronopoulos
Andriana holds a Bachelor of Science degree and discovered her passion for research during her Honors year, where she explored the benefits of chocolate antioxidants on the cardiovascular system. The experience ignited her curiosity for the world of scientific inquiry and its impact on health and well-being. Over the last 15 years, she has worked in trials primarily focusing on cardiovascular disease and diabetes. For her, being at the cutting edge of breakthrough treatments is incredibly fulfilling, especially when surrounded by an extraordinary team of compassionate and fun-loving individuals.
Administration
Leanne Auchterlonie
Leanne has worked with ECRU since 2008. She predominantly works behind the scenes in clinical trial administration. Previously she has worked in hospital and banking administration.
In her spare time she enjoys travelling, when COVID permits.
Jenny Bennett
Jenny has been working in the health industry for 15 years, spending the past 10 years at ECRU as part of the Endocrine team in clinical trial administration.
- Home
- About us
- Publications
- Annual Highlights
- Annual Reports
- Aboriginal Health Cultural Safety Plan
- Aboriginal Workforce Plan 2023-2026
- Cancer Services Plan 2015-20
- Connect with Respect
- Eastern Health 2022
- Eastern Insight
- Gender Equality Action Plan
- Mental Health Royal Commission Submissions
- Quality Accounts
- Reconciliation Action Plan
- Research Reports
- Strategic Plan 2023-2025
- Turning Point Review
- Organisational Structure
- Consumer and Community Engagement
- Eastern Health Foundation
- Volunteers
- Policies and Guidelines
- Access to Patient Records
- Publications
- Services
- A–Z Service Directory
- Aboriginal Health
- Acute Specialist Clinics (Outpatients)
- Patient Revenue Services
- Telehealth
- Emergency Department
- Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault
- Allied Health Services
- Maternity Services
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Service
- Our Response to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System
- Mental Health Wellbeing and Recovery
- Lived Experience Workforce - LEW
- Families where a Parent has a Mental Illness (FaPMI)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing
- Child Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing Service
- Adult Mental Health
- Dual Diagnosis
- Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Service
- NDIS
- Consultation-Liaison (CL) Psychiatry
- Eastern Mental Health Service Coordination Alliance
- Spectrum
- Language Services
- Imaging Services
- Pathology
- Alcohol and Drug Treatment (Turning Point)
- Locations
- Research & Ethics
- Latest News
- Guidance
- Research Programs
- Education and Training
- Research Data Services
- Library Services
- Funding Opportunities
- Research Enquiries
- Health Professionals
- Latest News
- Careers
- Contact us
Get Connected