Dr Hayley Thomas is a General Practitioner and led the research process to develop this website. In her clinical work, Dr Thomas cares for patients with a broad range of conditions, including eating disorders. She also works in an academic role with The University of Queensland’s General Practice Clinical Unit, where her research interests include Whole Person Care, the doctor-patient relationship, religion and spirituality in healthcare and eating disorders. Dr Thomas identifies as Christian and has completed a Graduate Diploma of Christian Studies through the Australian College of Theology.
Associate Professor Nancy Sturman is a General Practitioner, who oversaw supervision of the research process to develop this website. A/Prof Sturman works in clinical and academic general practice, and has expertise in medical education, and a clinical focus on health and social care for vulnerable populations.
Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor Tracey Wade is a clinical psychologist and the Director of the Flinders University Services for Eating Disorders. Professor Wade has over 30 years’ experience working as a clinician with eating disorders and has research interests in eating disorder aetiology, prevention, treatment, and research translation, having cowritten four therapy books and published over 300 peer-reviewed journal articles. She holds multiple leadership roles in the eating disorder field.
Reverend Dr Michael Bräutigam is a theologian, pastor, and lecturer, who has also trained in psychology. He is committed to integrating Christian theology and psychology, in order to equip Christian pastors and professionals to foster mental wellbeing and grow healthy communities, and founded The Centre for Theology and Psychology at the Melbourne School of Theology. Reverend Dr Bräutigam has worked academically in both psychology and theology and in diverse cultural contexts, including Germany (his original home), Scotland and Australia. Michael is an ordained minister with the Free Church of Scotland.
Dr Thomas Kimber is a theologian and former Dean of Faculty, Director of Research and Lecturer in Spiritual and Pastoral Theology at the Melbourne School of Theology. Originally from Southern California and having previously served as a missionary in China, Dr Kimber has a particular interest in the integration of spiritual formation, pastoral theology and ministry.
Professor Megan Best is a palliative care physician and Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Ethics and Society, University of Notre Dame Australia. She has an interest and expertise in researching spirituality in healthcare, along with Christian healthcare ethics. She has completed an Associate in Theology through the Australian College of Theology.
Dr Clare O’Callaghan AM works as a music therapist in palliative care at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and as a researcher on varied healthcare projects. She is also an Honorary Associate Professor, with the Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne. Throughout her 40-year career, Clare has led and collaborated on many qualitative and mixed methods studies focussed on improving support and outcomes for people affected by life-threatening conditions.
