Benjamin Tarrant (Physiotherapist)
Ben graduated from La Trobe with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2007, working as a new grad at the Alfred between 2008-2009 prior to transitioning to a Senior Physiotherapist role in the statewide HIV service between 2009-2010, then Senior Physiotherapist in Respiratory Services from 2010-2012. Ben then progressed to a Senior Clinician role in the Alfred’s Lung Transplant service, working in this space between 2012-2021, including a PhD in conjunction with La Trobe University between 2013 and 2021, studying the role of acute Physiotherapy care of lung transplant recipients. This work resulted in 6 first author publications, national and international conference presentations, and organisational and professional association awards. In 2021, Ben moved to St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, with his current role consisting of Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Team Lead and primary Senior Clinician in Intensive Care. Ben has a special interest in Respiratory care and chronic disease management, including deterioration and long stay holistic care.
Tara Menichelli (Pharmacist)
Tara is an experienced Intensive Care Unit (ICU) pharmacist with a strong background in clinical pharmacy and critical care. She obtained a Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours from Monash University in 2012 and went on to complete a Masters of Clinical Pharmacy at Monash University in 2018. She is also recognized as a Pharmacist Consultant by the Australian and New Zealand College of Advanced Pharmacy (FANZCAP) in Critical Care, demonstrating her expertise and leadership in the field.
Beginning her career as an intern and then resident pharmacist at St Vincent’s Hospital (2013–2014), Tara progressed to a rotational pharmacist role (2015–2017), gaining valuable experience across various specialties including cardiothoracic, general medicine and gastroenterology. In 2017, she transitioned into the ICU, where she has since developed expertise in managing complex pharmacotherapy for critically ill patients.
In 2024, Tara was appointed as a Critical Care Team Lead Pharmacist, reflecting her advanced clinical knowledge, and commitment to optimizing patient outcomes in critical care settings. Her professional interests include antimicrobial stewardship, anticoagulation management, and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance patient safety and efficacy in pharmacological interventions.
Outside of work, Tara is a dedicated parent who enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle through running, Pilates, and yoga. She is also an avid reader with a keen interest in both professional development and fiction.