The Prof Stephen Lee Lecture in Ethics

Join us for the inaugural Prof Stephen Lee Lecture in Ethics by Professor Jenny May AM, Australia’s National Rural Health Commissioner.

Sydney Health Ethics (SHE) and the University Centre for Rural Health Northern Rivers (UCRH) invite clinicians, educators, students, researchers, policymakers and community partners to a focused afternoon translating ethical insight into practical action for rural health. The program centres on the Prof Stephen Lee Lecture in Ethics, honouring the legacy of Clinical Professor Stephen Lee, whose guiding principle for fifty years was Patients First, and extends to a panel discussion on ethics and equity in rural care, followed by networking.

About the keynote

Professor Jenny May AM serves as Australia’s National Rural Health Commissioner, appointed by the Minister for Health and Aged Care to the role in 2024. A rural GP and educator for more than 35 years, she holds fellowships with RACGP and ACRRM and was awarded AM (2016) for significant service to community health in rural and regional Australia. Professor May’s portfolio focuses on strengthening rural health policy, workforce pathways and equitable access to safe, quality care.

Panel discussion

Following the Lecture, a panel discussion will consider the topic Ethics in Place - health equity in rural communities. Joining us for this panel discussion will be:

• Associate Professor Claire Hooker (SHE)
• Dr Rebecca McNaught (UCRH) and
• Associate Professor Emma Walke (UCRH)

Venue and format

• In‑person: UCRH, 61 Uralba Street, Lismore
• Online: Zoom livestream for remote attendees (link provided to registrants)

Who should attend

Rural and regional clinicians and health workers; medical and health students; educators and supervisors; researchers and research partners; local health services and community organisations; policymakers and funders engaged in rural health equity, education and workforce.

About the Prof Stephen Lee Lecture in Ethics

Established in 2026, the lecture commemorates Professpr Lee’s contributions to clinical education, mentoring and ethics in medicine, affirming that future generations of doctors put patients’ interests first when deciding optimal care, especially in rural contexts.

Presenting partners

Sydney Health Ethics is a research network across the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Medicine and Health. SHE focuses on the ethical issues across health, medicine and the life sciences by applying approaches and methods drawn from the humanities and social sciences. SHE’s mission is to achieve a positive social impact by engaging in academic and public conversations about the ethics of health and wellbeing.

UCRH is a rural clinical school of the University of Sydney, motivated by a belief in health equity for rural communities. Based in the Northern Rivers of NSW, UCRH is a collaborative academic hub focused on rural health education, research, and workforce development, and in 2026 celebrates its 25th anniversary. UCRH’s work includes training future health professionals, supporting the current workforce, and conducting innovative research to improve health outcomes across rural and regional Australia.