Heaslip Bequest to Medical Education
Flinders University's medical degree has an international reputation for delivering outstanding clinical and academic training, integrating clinical medicine, with a strong connection to biomedical science - thanks to the support of the Heaslip Bequest to Medical Education.
Since 1982 the bequest, provided by Gordon and Barbara Heaslip, has funded the Heaslip Fellowship position to continually assess and modernise the medical curriculum, to ensure it is robust and relevant for future health care needs and changing technology.
Visionary South Australians, Gordon and Barbara Heaslip sought to leave a world markedly improved to the one in which they arrived.
After Gordon (1902-1961) studied medicine and tropic health postgraduate studies in Australia, he and Barbara (1907-1982) spent time in Papua New Guinea pioneering medical practices at the Salamo Medical Mission.
Past Heaslip Fellows: Sue Henry-Edwards, Emeritus Professor David Prideaux (inaugural Heaslip Fellow), Dr Annie Murray, Dr Catherine Howell, and Dr Helena Ward. Photo taken 21 November 2018 at the bequest recognition event.
Later as a medical researcher, Gordon’s research played a crucial role in supporting troops during the War II, particularly in Malaya, Borneo and Indonesia, underpinning new understandings of tropical diseases.
Gordon probed the teaching of medicine and had a vision to improve this field, ultimately leading him to make a joint bequest with his wife Barbara to support medical education in his Will.
Throughout her life Barbara advocated for women and community health, seeking no attention in her plight to help others. On her passing in 1982 the joint bequest to support medical education became available to Flinders University.
Today, the Heaslip Bequest to Medical Education greatly assists Flinders University’s mission to pursue excellence in contemporary teaching and has positively impacted many lives though the development of integrated medical skills and knowledge.
Past Heaslip Fellows who have contributed to developing a cutting-edge curriculum include Emeritus Professor David Prideaux, Sue Henry-Edwards, Dr Annie Murray, Dr Catherine Howell, Dr Helena Ward and Dr Julie Halbert.
On Wednesday 21 November 2018, Flinders University hosted members of the extended Heaslip family and past Heaslip Fellows at a bequest recognition event, with the opening of a commemorative plaque in the Flinders University Special Collection Library. Read the program
Create change for future generations: Leave a bequest
You can play an important role in shaping a positive future for our community by leaving a donation for education or research in your Will. To learn more contact Mark Goldsmith 0421 818 130, mark.goldsmith@flinders.edu.au
Published November 2018. Updated October 2023. Author: Lynda Allen.
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