Q&A with Felicity Tucker, Consumer Review Committee member

Blog: Thursday 13 February 2025

Make a difference in heart health: join our Consumer Review Committee

At the Heart Foundation, we know that the best research is shaped by the voices of the people it’s designed to help. That’s why we are inviting community members to join our Consumer Review Committee, a volunteer opportunity that plays a key role in guiding the future of heart health research.

As a Consumer Review Committee member, you will review research funding applications - helping ensure that the projects we support reflect the real needs of people living with heart disease, their families, and the broader community. Whether you have personal experience with a heart condition, care for someone who does, or simply have a passion for improving heart health, your insights are incredibly valuable.

But what is it like to be part of the committee? To give you a first-hand perspective, we spoke with Felicity Tucker, a dedicated volunteer who shares her experience and what makes this role so rewarding. Read on to find out her story, what she’s learned, and why she encourages others to take part.

Q&A with Felicity Tucker

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and what motivated you to join the Consumer Review Panel?

This will be my third year as a consumer review panel member. I live with multiple cardiac conditions and the complexities of those have seen me receive specialist treatment in Melbourne, Germany, Czech Republic and now Brisbane where I live.

Living overseas and navigating a health system in a foreign language meant that I needed to do a lot of research to try and understand my medical diagnosis and procedures and how to advocate for myself and to ensure I receive the care that I’m entitled to.

I enjoy reading about new and interesting developments in heart health and feel that my experience as a patient with first-hand knowledge and lived experience is both useful and highly valued by the Heart Foundation Research team.

2. What was your experience like as a Consumer Review Panellist?

I feel supported and encouraged by the team members, you’re communicated with clearly and they are very respectful of your time, providing options for meeting times online that will suit everyone.

I like that you have plenty of time to read through the applications allowing you opportunity to reach out if you need help. Last year, a new online portal was introduced that enabled the whole process to be far more user-friendly, particularly if you don’t use digital technology daily or in a professional capacity.

3. What was the most rewarding part of being involved in the review process?

Being involved has enabled me a sense of purpose and belonging that was missing in my life. Living with a life-threatening condition is very isolating at times and understanding that my experience and knowledge has contributed to new research opportunities for applicants is extremely rewarding. It is something that is just mine, that I do on my own quietly knowing that my small contribution is helping on a bigger scale to improve the outcomes and quality of life for people living with heart disease.

4. What would you say to someone considering joining the panel this year?

If you have the capacity to give your time and you believe in the value that volunteer roles play in our communities and you feel that your experience matters, then I highly recommend giving it a shot. You might just surprise yourself with what you can offer and in return what you could learn and the knowledge that you may take away from the experience.

5. Any final thoughts or advice for new panellists?

I am really looking forward to reading this year’s applications, I think the work the Heart Foundation does is vital and to be celebrated and I thank the Research team for the continued opportunity to contribute my experience in a meaningful and rewarding way.

If you are interested in being involved, please register your interest and we will be contact with more details.