Melinda’s early specialist career gave her the opportunity to work at the University of Alberta Hospital in Canada and Southern Health, now known as Monash Health. Her enjoyment of flying, both as a private pilot and as an aeromedical retrieval physician, supported her work in Canada and for over a decade in Melbourne.

Melinda returned to RMH in 2003 and has worked as an emergency physician there continuously for more than 20 years; she enjoys her work as a “front line” clinician. She was the Director of RMH ED from 2008-2014.

Melinda became the Director of the ED at the Royal Women’s Hospital (RWH) in 2007 and except for a brief period, has held this position continuously until 2026. She has also undertaken interim roles as the Divisional Director for Critical Care Services RMH, the Chief Medical Officer RMH and the Medical Director of Services for Women’s Health at RWH.

Over her career Melinda has presented at more than 50 international and national professional meetings. She developed and implemented short courses at Monash University in aviation and retrieval medicine and also in ultrasound education. She is a founding member and second Chair of the International Federation of Emergency Medicine Quality and Patient Safety special interest group. She became a founding Associate Fellow of the College of Aerospace Medicine in 2012.

Melinda has also been on government advisory boards and been an inspector of hospitals with ACEM, Trauma Services Australasia and the Australian Council of Healthcare Standards. She spent her sabbatical in Canada as a Visiting Professor, Emergency Medicine, at the University of Montreal.

Melinda’s passion for emergency medicine is exemplified by her extensive involvement in ACEM for more than 20 years. Her contribution includes being a Board member, Chair of the Ultrasound and Accreditation Committees, Council member of Advocacy, Practice and Partnerships, and member of Committees of Governance, Finance, Selection of Training, Standards, Quality and Patient Safety, Pre-hospital care and the Victorian Faculty.

Melinda was recognised for her contribution to ACEM with the Distinguished Service award in 2022 and she received the ACEM Medal, its highest honour, in 2024.

Melinda has been fortunate to have travelled to every continent and enjoys animals in their natural environment. She has obtained a Level 1 ski Instructor Certificate and private pilot’s licence.

Updated February 2026