Dr. Sara Shishehgar, SONM, Australia.
Dr. Sara Shishehgar is an accomplished nurse academic and researcher whose career bridges clinical excellence and scholarly impact. With a robust educational background spanning midwifery, reproductive health, and nursing, she has developed a multidisciplinary lens through which she examines healthcare challenges. Her research primarily focuses on the mental health and wellbeing of asylum-seeking and refugee women, while more recent interests include the role of artificial intelligence in health education. In her academic roles, she has demonstrated leadership in evidence-based teaching and has contributed to several peer-reviewed publications. Currently a Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University, she continues to mentor, teach, and research on topics critical to global health equity and innovation.
Profile
Google Scholar
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Sara Shishehgar’s academic journey is marked by a strong foundation in reproductive health and nursing sciences. She began her studies with a Bachelor’s degree in Midwifery from Iran in 2002, followed by a Master of Science in Midwifery and Reproductive Health in 2013. With a growing interest in holistic healthcare, she pursued advanced education in Australia, earning a Master of Nursing from the University of Sydney in 2021, gaining AHPRA registration as a nurse. Her passion for research culminated in a PhD in Health from the University of Technology Sydney in 2020, where she explored psychosocial dimensions of health, particularly concerning vulnerable populations such as asylum-seeking women.
đź©ş Professional Endeavors
Dr. Shishehgar has cultivated a rich and diverse professional career that spans both clinical and academic environments. Between 2003 and 2013, she served as a registered midwife and nurse in Iran, gaining firsthand experience in maternal and reproductive care. Her transition to the Australian healthcare system saw her taking on the role of a registered nurse at Westmead Private Hospital from 2021 onward. In academia, she has held influential teaching roles, serving as an academic tutor and lecturer assistant at the University of Technology Sydney, followed by lectureships at Charles Darwin University and the Institute of Health and Management. As of 2024, she holds the esteemed position of Senior Lecturer in Nursing at Western Sydney University.
đź“š Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Shishehgar’s research is rooted in global health equity, with a central focus on the experiences of marginalized populations—particularly refugee and asylum-seeking women. Her work delves into mental wellbeing, healthcare access, and cultural safety. Notably, she has led significant research exploring the lived experiences of asylum-seeker women in detention and their coping strategies in resettlement. More recently, she has expanded her focus to include innovations in health education, such as the role of artificial intelligence in nursing curricula. Her scholarly contributions are featured in respected journals such as the International Journal of Social Psychiatry, Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, and the International Nurse Review.
🏅 Accolades and Recognition
Throughout her academic and clinical career, Dr. Shishehgar has earned recognition for her deep commitment to evidence-based healthcare and inclusive education. She was appointed as the Lead of the Evidence-Based Teaching and Training Theme at the Charles Darwin Centre for Evidence-Based Practice, a JBI-affiliated group, from 2023 to 2024—highlighting her leadership and influence in scholarly pedagogy. Her research publications, often co-authored with renowned academics, underscore her strong collaborative spirit and have been well received in both academic and policy circles.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Shishehgar’s body of work has significantly impacted how healthcare professionals understand and respond to the psychosocial challenges of displaced populations. Her integrative review on refugee women’s socio-cultural experiences has informed both clinical practices and community programs aimed at enhancing culturally competent care. Additionally, her investigations into health education and AI adoption are helping to shape the future-ready workforce in nursing and allied health fields. She is a role model for interdisciplinary scholarship that blends clinical insight with academic rigor.
🔍 Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking forward, Dr. Shishehgar aims to expand her research on technological innovation in healthcare training and continue advocating for inclusive, trauma-informed care models for displaced women. She is also poised to mentor the next generation of nurses and researchers, bringing her lived experiences, cultural insight, and scholarly acumen into her mentorship. Her trajectory suggests a future of continued interdisciplinary breakthroughs and increased global collaboration in women’s health and education.
đź’ˇ Thought Leadership in Health Education and Innovation
Dr. Shishehgar’s recent work on artificial intelligence in health education showcases her commitment to exploring transformative pedagogical tools in healthcare. By systematically reviewing the perceptions and experiences of both students and academics, she has illuminated opportunities and challenges in AI integration. This research aligns her with the global movement toward digital health transformation, positioning her as a thought leader who bridges traditional nursing knowledge with cutting-edge innovation.
Publication
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Health and socio-cultural experiences of refugee women: an integrative review
S. Shishehgar, L. Gholizadeh, M. DiGiacomo, A. Green, P.M. Davidson | 2017
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The impact of migration on the health status of Iranians: an integrative literature review
S. Shishehgar, L. Gholizadeh, M. DiGiacomo, P.M. Davidson | 2015
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The relationship of social support and quality of life with the level of stress in pregnant women using the PATH model
S. Shishehgar, A. Mahmoodi, M. Dolatian, Z. Mahmoodi, M. Bakhtiary, … | 2013
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Perceived pregnancy stress and quality of life amongst Iranian women
S. Shishehgar, M. Dolatian, H.A. Majd, M. Bakhtiary | 2014
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Treatment of amphetamine abuse/use disorder: A systematic review of a recent health concern
M. Khoramizadeh, M. Effatpanah, A. Mostaghimi, M. Rezaei, A. Mahjoub, … | 2019
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Socioeconomic status and stress rate during pregnancy in Iran
S. Shishehgar, M. Dolatian, H.A. Majd, M. Bakhtiary | 2014
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A survey of relationship between social support with quality of life as well as stress among pregnant women referred to Shahryar hospital affiliated to social security
S. Shishehgar, M. Dolatian, H.A. Majd | 2014
Conclusion
Dr. Shishehgar’s career reflects a deep commitment to socially responsive, evidence-based, and forward-looking health care. Her academic achievements, research contributions, and leadership roles establish her as a respected voice in nursing education and refugee health. With a growing focus on technological innovation and a strong foundation in cultural competence, she is well-positioned to influence future directions in nursing research and practice. Dr. Shishehgar’s legacy will likely be one of meaningful impact—bridging compassion, science, and innovation to improve the lives of vulnerable populations and elevate the standards of nursing education.