SUPPORTING STEMM DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION INITIATIVES FOR WOMEN IN ARTHROPLASTY, SURGERY AND ORTHOPAEDIC ONCOLOGY
With
Associate Professor Claudia Di Bella
Orthopaedic surgeon, Melbourne &
Associate Professor of Surgery
University of Melbourne
PEOPLE IN HEALTH CARE SEGMENT
Filmed in Sydney | June 2026
Associate Professor Claudia Di Bella is an academic orthopaedic surgeon based in Melbourne, specialising in orthopaedic oncology and complex joint reconstruction. Originally trained at the world-renowned Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute (Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli) in Bologna, Italy, she moved to Australia in 2010 and was awarded Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2013.
She is Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Melbourne and leads a translational research program focused on tissue engineering and innovative solutions to improve outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal disease, in particular bone sarcomas. Her research has attracted over AUD $6 million in competitive funding, including an NHMRC–MRFF Clinical Investigator Grant, and has resulted in more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters and numerous national and international presentations. She is passionate about bridging the gap between scientific discovery and meaningful improvements in patient care.
Clinically, A/Prof Di Bella is one of Australia’s few orthopaedic oncology surgeons, managing complex bone and soft tissue tumours and performing high-volume limb salvage surgery and joint reconstruction. Her work combines surgical expertise, innovation and multidisciplinary care for patients facing life-changing diagnoses.
Beyond her clinical and academic roles, Claudia is a strong advocate for diversity, inclusion and representation in medicine. Through national and international leadership roles, including within orthopaedic surgery and sarcoma organisations, she actively mentors the next generation of surgeons and researchers, with a particular commitment to supporting women and underrepresented groups in STEMM and surgical careers.
Source: Supplied
Media access credit: Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA)
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Observations in diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer over the past 45 years
Peter Thomson is Academic Head of Dentistry and Professor of Oral & Maxillofacial Sciences in the College of Medicine & Dentistry at James Cook University, Australia. A UK and Australian specialist in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Medicine, he qualified BDS from Manchester University and MBBS from Newcastle upon Tyne, gaining Fellowships in Dental Surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, Ireland and Glasgow and a Fellowship in Surgery from Edinburgh, specializing in Head & Neck Oncology.
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Contrasting Population Needs and Alternative Funding Models
Dr Jaspreet Saini is a GP with a decade of experience, practicing in West Pennant Hills and Rooty Hill, New South Wales. He began his medical journey at Monash University, followed by internships and residency at Blacktown Hospital, in Western Sydney. Instead of confining himself to a single specialty, he pursued general practice to explore various facets of medicine.
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Strategic research investments for health and prosperity
The CEO of Research Australia, Nadia Levin spoke with Australian Health Journal about the following:
– Current medical research and development landscape in Australia
– Investment required to support the Health and Medical Research and Innovation pipeline
– The National Medical Products Industry Plan and its impact on the Australian economy
– The Health and Medical Research WorkforceIn the lead up to the Australian Federal Budget in May 2023, Australian Health Journal reached out to peak health industry bodies to hear about their priorities, either noted in pre-budget submissions lodged with Federal Government in January 2023 or in recent forums such as the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce.
