Executive Dean's message

The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences was pleased to recently celebrate an historic first with the appointment of Professor Josephine Thomas, a proud alumna, and the first ever female Dean of Medicine and Head of Adelaide Medical School since the Faculty of Medicine was established in 1885. This milestone, achieved as we entered into our final year as the University of Adelaide, perfectly embodies our commitment to history making.

Pleasingly, Semester 1 has launched with a surge of energy as we welcomed nearly 900 new students to the Faculty. The campus is alive with vibrant events designed to immerse these students in the university experience, setting the stage for their academic journey.

This month, we paused to reflect on the profound generosity that shapes our medical education. Our Annual Memorial and Dedication Service, held in Bonython Hall, brought together staff and student representatives from all three South Australian universities to honour those who selflessly bequeathed their bodies to medical science. This deeply significant event underscores the invaluable role donors and their families play in training our future healthcare professionals.

May's graduations mark an historic occasion: the inaugural cohort of students from the School of Allied Health Science and Practice will receive their degrees. Launched in 2021 with a suite of programs that includes Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology, the School's growth has been extraordinary, now boasting nearly 1,000 students. We are thrilled to see these pioneering graduates enter the workforce, ready to contribute to the health of our community.

As we transition to Adelaide University, we anticipate a future filled with continued achievements that will positively impact South Australia for generations to come.

Professor Andrew Zannettino
Executive Dean, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences