Meet the Bastas Academy for Health Leadership Inaugural Director
Healthcare transformation expert, Professor Robert Saunders has been appointed to direct the Academy which is a collaboration between the School and the University of Melbourne.
Healthcare transformation expert, Professor Robert Saunders has been appointed to direct the Bastas Academy for Health Leadership, a collaboration between Melbourne Business School and the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne.
Professor Saunders joins the Academy from Duke University, where he serves as Senior Research Director, Health Care Transformation at the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy. In this role, he has led influential initiatives on healthcare funding models, system design, and reform strategies to sustainably improve health care access and outcomes for all populations.
His work has informed US federal and state governments, health providers, and international organisations in the design of funding models that align healthcare resources with outcomes. Prior to Duke, Professor Saunders held leadership roles at the National Quality Forum and the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine).
The Bastas Academy for Health Leadership was created to support the next generation of leaders in the health sector, equipping clinicians, healthcare workers, and policymakers with the capabilities to navigate complexity, drive innovation, and deliver sustainable improvements in health outcomes.
Professor Saunders said he was deeply honoured to be appointed as inaugural director and intends draw on his international experience to inform the Academy’s strategy.
“Health care systems around the world are facing common challenges, including workforce shortages, rising health care costs, reducing disparities in health, and the rapid pace of change, and these challenges are shared here in Australia,” he said.
“I am pleased to build on my work at Duke that brought together health leaders to design practical solutions to these challenges, such as connecting health financing models to improved care and outcomes.”
“I look forward to working with colleagues in Melbourne and beyond to build the leadership capability needed to shape future-ready health systems.”
University of Melbourne Interim Provost, Professor Jane Gunn AO said Professor Saunders appointment represents a strong signal on the Academy’s ambition to combine health sciences and business education with international expertise.
“Not all health professionals begin their careers intending to be leaders, yet leadership is vital at all levels of the health sector,” Professor Gunn said.
“Robert’s appointment ensures that the Academy will be a catalyst for developing those change-makers.”
Melbourne Business School Dean, Professor Jenny George reiterated that Professor Saunder’s global experience in health leadership will be invaluable as the Academy establishes itself as a centre of excellence.
“With Robert at the helm, we are confident the Academy will have a powerful impact in developing leaders who can meet the challenges facing health systems in Australia and internationally.
The Academy was established thanks to a generous $7.5 million dollar philanthropic donation from Dennis Bastas, CEO of DBG Health. For more information or to learn about the course on offer, visit the Bastas Academy of Health Leadership website.
