Miss Emma Zahra

Emma Zahra is a Research Officer at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), Faculty of Medicine, UNSW. Her research focus is drug-related morbidity and mortality. This research includes a large collaborative project that will quantify the social costs of opioids and cannabis. Emma is collaborating with senior researchers in epidemiology and public health at NDARC, and other leading drug and alcohol research centres across Australia. 

As a Registered Nurse and Master of International Public Health, she has experience in acute care settings (emergency and surgical medicine), health promotion (Cancer Council), and global medical assistance.

Emma coordinated medical evacuations and repatriations globally for International SOS. This involved medical care and logistical arrangements for a diverse range of individuals, including marginalized and at-risk populations. Her involvement with refugees and asylum seekers included clinical oversight, medical advice and case direction. In this role Emma also provided coverage for international assistance centres (London, Moscow, Johannesburg and Dubai), medical management of sea vessel and rig personnel, and facilitated specialized care for New Caledonia patients. Aviation and remote medical treatment management skills for complex and critical patients were implemented via telephone and in person during medical escort missions.

Emma is passionate about improving health outcomes and reducing the public burden through evidence-based intervention, advocacy, support, empowerment and equality.