Rate My Professor Jane Bleasel

Professor Jane Bleasel, an internationally recognised academic and practising rheumatologist, holds the position of Dean of the Joint Medical Program and Head of the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Newcastle's College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing since June 2022. She earned her MBBS from the University of Sydney, a PhD from the same institution in the genetics of osteoarthritis, and a Master of Health Professional Education from Monash University. Previously at the University of Sydney, she served as Director of the Medical Program from 2015, Director of Academic Education from 2020, and Deputy Head of School from 2021, leading a major revision of the medical curriculum drawing on national and international best practices. Earlier, she was Head of the Department of Rheumatology at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for many years and provided rheumatology services to rural and regional areas, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, addressing critical gaps in specialist medical care and equity.

Professor Bleasel's research specializations include medical education and rheumatology. Key publications from her profile include "Prognosis in patients with recent onset low back pain in Australian primary care: inception cohort study" (2008, BMJ), "Prevalence of and screening for serious spinal pathology in patients presenting to primary care settings with acute low back pain" (2009, Arthritis & Rheumatism), "Models of care for the secondary prevention of osteoporotic fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis" (2013, Osteoporosis International), "Team-based learning (TBL) in the medical curriculum: better than PBL?" (2017, BMC Medical Education), and "Scaffolding medical student knowledge and skills: team-based learning (TBL) and case-based learning (CBL)" (2021, BMC Medical Education). She holds qualifications as FRACP and PFHEA. Her career spans education from undergraduate medical students to postgraduate physician and rheumatology advanced training, emphasizing biomedical science, clinical skills, professionalism, diversity, inclusion, and preparation for digital and rural practice. Clinically, she has enabled access to biological therapies for rheumatoid arthritis patients who were previously disabled.