Karl Minges

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2009 Fulbright Postgraduate Scholar

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“The obesity epidemic is now a global challenge, and my hope is that compelling evidence for the program I am studying will encourage other countries to adopt similar approaches to improving care for diabetics.”

Karl Minges, currently completing a Master of Public Health degree at Columbia University, has won a Fulbright Postgraduate Scholarship to undertake 12 months of research at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute and Monash University in Melbourne.

Karl will conduct a systematic evaluation of Baker IDI’s Lift for Life, an innovative health behaviour strength training program for diabetic adults. He will use a program evaluation method called RE-AIM, which provides researchers with a comprehensive and systematic comparison of strengths and weaknesses of behavioural interventions.

“Diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and of particular relevance, type 2 diabetes are propagated by soaring obesity rates. The Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute created Lift for Life in response to this issue,” Karl said.

“Strength-training can achieve greater improvements in blood glucose levels than what is typically observed in conventional drug treatment trials,” explains Karl.

Karl’s view is that the healthcare system needs to be transformed from a reactive system focussed on treating illness into a system geared toward promoting health. His proposal will help to provide some of the evidence to assist with this process.

“Inadequate management of the obesity-related chronic health conditions increases hospitalisation and exacerbates workload in hospitals and health services. These health problems and economic difficulties impose substantial burdens on individuals, families and the community.”

“Therefore the Australian and potential international significance of programs such as Lift for Life is undeniable.”

Karl is a graduate of Marist College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. In addition to his academic qualifications and awards, Karl has been actively involved in research at Columbia’s Center for Psychosocial Study of Health and Illness, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the RWJ Health & Society Scholars Program, as well as completion of an International Diabetes Institute Fellowship. When Karl returns from his Fulbright in Australia, he plans to pursue doctoral studies.

Karl is one of 19 American Fulbright Scholars travelling to Australia in 2009/2010.