The 2025 Jane Dahlstrom Annual Lecture at the Australian National University was a moving tribute to the power of advocacy, compassion, and medical leadership. The spotlight of the evening was firmly on Dr Sue Packer AO, one of the ACT’s most revered paediatricians and a lifelong champion for children’s rights and wellbeing.
Held in honor of Professor Jane Dahlstrom OAM, a pioneering pathologist and educator, the lecture series celebrates women who have shaped the future of medicine in the ACT and beyond. Professor Dahlstrom currently serves as Chair of the Australian Medical Council’s Medical School Accreditation Committee (MedSAC), where she leads the national oversight of medical education standards.
Dr Sue Packer AO — A Voice for the Vulnerable
Dr Packer’s keynote address, “How to Make a Difference”, was a deeply personal and inspiring reflection on her decades of service. She traced her journey from treating childhood trauma in clinical settings to transforming hospital environments to be more nurturing and child friendly. Her message was clear and powerful: change begins with empathy, creativity, and a commitment to community.
- As a Senior Paediatrician at Canberra Hospital, Dr Packer witnessed firsthand the impact of trauma on young lives and became a tireless advocate for trauma-informed care.
- She played a pivotal role in shaping child protection policies and improving the way health systems respond to vulnerable children.
- Her work earned her the title of ACT Senior Australian of the Year in 2019, a recognition of her unwavering dedication to advocacy and reform.
Dr Packer’s lecture was not just a recounting of achievements—it was a call to action. She urged attendees to recognize their own capacity to make a difference, no matter their role or background. Her warmth, humility, and fierce commitment to justice left a lasting impression on all who attended.
Professor Jane Dahlstrom OAM — Champion of Medical Education
While Dr Packer’s voice led the evening, the legacy of Professor Jane Dahlstrom provided its foundation. As a leader in pathology and medical education, Professor Dahlstrom has shaped the careers of countless medical professionals and continues to influence national standards through her role at the AMC.
Together, these two extraordinary women represent the very best of Canberra’s medical community—visionaries who have not only excelled in their fields but have also lifted others along the way.
Panel Discussion
Dr Packer joined Ms Rebecca Zappelli (Families ACT) and Associate Professor Dave Pasalich (ANU) in a dynamic conversation on child wellbeing, moderated by Professor Paul Fitzgerald.
Article contributed by
Dr Betty Ge
MWS ACT & Region
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