Prof Jo Douglass appointed head of Melbourne Medical School Department of Medicine

Professor Douglass’ new appointment is in addition to her continuing roles as the RMH’s Director of Research and the University of Melbourne’s James Stewart Chair of Medicine.

Professor Douglass is a physician who graduated in medicine from Monash University and trained in respiratory medicine and allergy at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne and in the UK in Southampton and London. She holds an MD by research in translational immunology and has published more than 120 original papers with current interests in Thunderstorm Asthma and Primary Immune Deficiency diseases. She was previously Director of Medical Education at Monash University (Alfred Hospital, 2007 – 2009) and was Head, Department of Immunology and Allergy (Royal Melbourne Hospital 2012 – 2020).

In recent years Professor Douglass has led five funded investigator-initiated clinical trials supported by more than $1.5 million in funding. Professor Douglass serves on numerous speciality and industry advisory boards to implement clinical guidelines, she co-chairs the National Primary Immune Deficiency strategy and is a past president of the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy.

Head of Melbourne Medical School Professor John Prins said that the role is an integral part of the School Executive.

“This appointment supports the longstanding, diverse and unique strengths of the medicine discipline as well as the continued development of synergies with our health service partners,” he said.

“I look forward to seeing the department move from strength to strength under Professor Douglass’ leadership.”

Through this appointment, Professor Douglass will lead medicine’s ongoing and major contribution to education, research, and research training programs.

The RMH congratulates Professor Douglass on this appointment.