Class of 1970

Dr Margaret Heffernan OAM

Academic and Professional Excellence Inductee 2021

Dr Margaret Heffernan OAM, PhD has been an advocate, mentor, educator, author and academic researcher in the area of women's health for 30 years. Margaret has received numerous awards for her work. An Australian Government Order of Australia Medal in 2006 recognised her outstanding contributions to the gynaecological cancer sector and the Arts, including her role in raising millions of dollars to improve treatment facilities for women's cancers, and by lobbying politicians and senior medical professionals. Margaret initiated a large-scale project that rebuilt the Royal Women's Hospital cancer ward to provide private facilities for public patients; and initiated a petition which led to a 2006 Senate inquiry, and $1-million seed funding for the establishment of the National Centre for Gynaecological Cancers (Cancer Australia).

Margaret is also passionate about reducing inequities for marginalised populations. Her PhD research undertaken at University of Melbourne examined issues around human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in Indigenous and cross-cultural communities and assisted the effective implementation of the National HPV Vaccination Program and continues to resonate. Dr Heffernan's pioneering work in ensuring appropriate educational tools for Indigenous women to make informed decisions about prevention through HPV vaccination will have a profound effect on morbidity and mortality disparities. The model she conceptualised with female Aboriginal health leaders in Central Australia for community education and empowerment with new health initiatives is still being adopted in that region and in African communities in Melbourne. Margaret also secured funding for a mobile women's health clinic mobilising Pap Smear screening outreach ensuring women in remote regions of Central Australia had equitable access to health facilities.

As a Founding Member of the International HPV Alliance, Margaret's leadership resulted in the IPVS accepting the global collaboration of the IPVS Indigenous statement to reduce disparities in HPV morbidities. Margaret's subsequent invitation to the IPVS education committee is testament to the impact of her work.

As an innovative and inspiring educator focusing on transcultural and student transition needs, Margaret's work has been disseminated nationally and internationally, and received a RMIT University Award for teaching excellence in 2016. Her work includes novel approaches using interactive digital technologies to self-directed learning. Margaret is a published author including a book on cancer survival, scholarly publications in public health and transnational education, and continues her advocacy through membership on numerous expert panels and boards.

Current as at 08/02/2021