Dr Karen Smith is the National Director, Research and Evidence at SilverChain Group. She is an epidemiologist and internationally recognised health leader with extensive experience in public health research. Her relevant expertise includes governance, research, development of KPIs, performance measurement and quality improvement. Karen also holds adjunct professorial positions with Monash University in the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine and the Department of Paramedicine. She holds a Bachelor of Science with Honours and multiple post-graduate qualifications including a PhD. Karen is passionate about social justice and helping marginalised populations and also sits on several international boards. In the Australia Day Honours List in 2023, Karen was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to paramedicine.