Visionary Heaslip support for medical education

It’s no accident that the medical program at Flinders University has an international reputation for delivering outstanding clinical and academic training, integrating clinical medicine with a strong underpinning in biomedical science.

Since 1982 the Heaslip Bequest to Medical Education, provided by Gordon Heaslip (1902-1961), has funded a Fellowship position to continuously assess and contemporise the curriculum for the University’s medical program.

For almost 40 years the Heaslip Bequest has made a significant contribution in delivering a cutting-edge learning framework for our medical students and providing work-ready capabilities for thousands of graduate doctors.

Gordon and Barbara Heaslip were visionary South Australians. They sought to leave a world markedly improved to the one in which they arrived.

After Gordon studied medicine and postgraduate studies in tropical health, he and Barbara 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

Later as a medical researcher, Gordon’s research played a crucial role in supporting the troops during the War II, particularly in Malaya, Borneo and Indonesia, underpinning new understandings of tropical diseases.

Gordon Heaslip probed the teaching of medicine and had a vision to improve this area, ultimately leading him to take action in writing by making a provision for medical education within his Will.

Barbara Heaslip was an advocate for women and community health, seeking no attention in her plight to help others, her own legacy is coming to light through the dedication of her family.

The Heaslip Bequest to Medical Education has greatly assisted Flinders University’s mission to pursue excellence in contemporary teaching and has positively impacted the lives of thousands though the development of integrated medical skills and knowledge.

Learn more about our Bequest Program

Heaslip Bequest Commemorated

On Wednesday 21 November 2018, the University hosted members of the extended Heaslip family and past Heaslip Fellows at a Bequest Recognition Event with the opening of commemorative plaque in the Flinders University Special Collection Library.

Read the program