University of Melbourne, Melbourne Business School To Get Bastas Academy for Health Leadership

A philanthropic donation of $7.5 million will help to set up a new health leadership academy at the University of Melbourne, and Melbourne Business School.

Study in Australia: Dennis Bastas, CEO of DBG Health has offered a $7.5 million philanthropic donation to set up a new Health Leadership academy named Bastas Academy for Health Leadership. It is under a collaboration of the Melbourne Business School and the University of Melbourne's Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.

The new academy will offer world-class leadership development programs designed to empower and upskill health professionals to drive collaboration, innovation and excellence across the industry.

Bastas, who leads Australia’s largest diversified pharmaceutical, health and wellness business said, "The healthcare industry is at an inflection point and in desperate need of fresh leadership to drive meaningful change. I'm proud to help establish this Academy. The Academy will provide opportunities for emerging health leaders from diverse backgrounds as well as to upskill the sector's workforce with an innovative approach to confronting complex health issues. Empowering this talent pipeline is key to a healthier future and stronger health system within both Victoria and Australia."

Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences Professor Jane Gunn AO commented, "Not all health professionals begin their career with the intention of becoming a leader. Yet, leadership is vital at all levels of the health sector. The capabilities and knowledge required for effective leadership in healthcare, such as strategic thinking, collaboration, communication, financial management, change management and innovation, are often undervalued compared to technical and academic competencies. That is why we’re partnering with Melbourne Business School to deliver this initiative," added Professor Jane Gunn AO.

Bastas Academy for Health Leadership Details

The academy is to address the urgent requirement of the transformation in the healthcare systems. To drive large-scale reforms, there is a need for exceptional leadership capabilities across strategy, governance and change management and it will help in creating it.

It will offer three flagship pathways to healthcare professionals including Leading Complex Health Systems, Leading in Health, and Innovating for the Future of Health. It will equip students with the ability to navigate complex health environments, core leadership skills, implement systemic change, and cultivate innovative solutions.

Professor Jenny George, Dean of Melbourne Business School said, "Health leadership requires not just medical expertise, but strategic business capabilities," said Professor Jenny George, Dean of Melbourne Business School. Our partnership combines cutting-edge health sciences education with world-class business acumen to equip leaders to tackle healthcare's most pressing commercial, operational and ethical challenges."

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