Ethics and best health practice in regional areas at the helm of lecture series

THE University Centre for Rural Health at Lismore hosted the inaugural professor Stephen Lee Lecture in Ethics with its focus on best practice and equity in regional and rural areas.

It was held in partnership with Sydney Health Ethics and featured National Rural Health Commissioner Jenny May as the keynote speaker.

Lee was a celebrated dermatologist, clinical professor, and medical administrator who died in 2023.

Centre director professor Vicki Flood said the lecture was a fitting way to honour his legacy and commence the centre’s 25th anniversary year.

“Having someone of Jenny May’s calibre speak to us was incredibly valuable,” Flood said.

“She wove Professor Lee’s vision of social justice and rural health equity beautifully into her lecture.”

“Professor Lee regularly worked in rural clinics, and this series honours his commitment to supporting communities beyond the city.

“His legacy continues to inspire our focus on ethical, equitable healthcare.”

National Rural Health Commissioner Jenny May was the keynote speaker at the inaugural professor Stephen Lee Lecture in Ethics. Photo: Supplied

The lecture covered a range of issues, including the ethical implications of augmented care such as AI, robotics and digital health, and the need to assess innovation through an equity focused lens.

Professor May also acknowledged the role of university departments of health, drawing on her own experience leading the University of Newcastle Department of Rural Health.

There was also a panel discussion which highlighted the importance of collaboration between clinicians, educators, researchers and communities in shaping fair and effective rural health care.

“It’s crucial that we create pathways for students to train in rural health and ultimately return to serve these communities,” Flood said.

“That’s what will make a real difference for the future workforce and for the people living rurally.”

“This lecture series is just the beginning. Over the next few years, we’ll take it to Dubbo, Orange, and Broken Hill, continuing the conversation about health equity and ethics across regional Australia.”