From left: Bendigo Health Board Deputy Chair Professor Carol McKinstry, Agnico Eagle Mines’ Vice President of Australia Operations, Ion Hann and Executive Director of Medical Services, Dr Seema Bagia announced a new role to advance research at Bendigo Health.
A landmark role designed to deliver better treatments, stronger clinical research, and improved health outcomes for patients across the region.
Supported through the generous backing of Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, the new Chair will drive high-quality, evidence-based clinical research that directly improves the care patients receive every day.
Bendigo Health Board Deputy Chair Professor Carol McKinstry said the role is a transformative investment in the region’s future health.
“This role will expand research in our region and, most importantly, lead to better outcomes for patients,” Professor McKinstry said.
“By bringing together doctors, researchers, and academic partners, the initiative will improve healthcare right here in the region meaning patients can access innovative treatments closer to home.”
The Chair of Clinical Research will accelerate Bendigo Health’s capability to deliver local clinical trials, giving patients new opportunities to access cutting-edge therapies without needing to travel to metropolitan centres. It will also help tackle complex and chronic diseases by generating new evidence and driving improvements in care.
By embedding clinician-researchers within Bendigo Health, the role will also support a stronger, highly skilled workforce that integrates research with frontline care benefiting patients now and into the future.
Executive Director of Medical Services, Dr Seema Bagia, said the role will be central to Bendigo Health’s long-term research strategy.
“Patients in the Loddon Mallee will benefit directly. More research means new treatments, improved care, and a stronger focus on complex diseases all delivered closer to home,” she said
Agnico Eagle Mines’ Vice President of Australia Operations, Ion Hann, said the organisation is proud to support a role with such meaningful community impact.
“We are proud to invest in healthcare research that makes a real difference for local communities. Supporting Bendigo Health’s Chair of Clinical Research will help shape the future of health in regional Victoria.”
The position is also expected to attract further research funding and external partnerships, strengthening Bendigo Health’s vision to build a sustainable, thriving regional research hub.
Recruitment for the Chair of Clinical Research will begin in the new year, marking an exciting next chapter in advancing healthcare innovation and improving outcomes for patients and communities across the Loddon Mallee.