C-suite movement is the norm as LHDs, PHNs and biotechs shuffle the deckchairs. And RANZCR has a new president-elect.
Jill Wong, who has been acting CEO of Mid North Coast LHD since September of last year, has been appointed to the role on a permanent basis effective from today.
Ms Wong took over from previous CEO Stewart Dowrick, who stepped down after 14 years in the job.
“I’m honoured to work with over 5000 incredible colleagues, and to have the opportunity to lead, partner and enable the enormous expertise and energy of our dedicated workforce to care for our community, and to contribute to a healthy well and thriving Mid North Coast,” said Ms Wong on LinkedIn.
“I’m looking forward to continuing this journey of delivering outstanding, accessible and equitable health care and health outcomes for our community.”
Prior to taking the acting CEO role, Ms Wong was MNCLHD’s director of integrated care, allied health and community services for four years, during which she led key reforms, including strengthening partnerships with primary care and Aboriginal medical services, enhancing virtual care models and implementing accountability frameworks.
MNCLHD governing board chair Peter Treseder welcomed Ms Wong to the role.
“Ms Wong’s leadership has been instrumental in district financial recovery efforts, strategic planning and strengthening governance structures to enhance stakeholder confidence,” Mr Treseder said.
“She is deeply committed to equity, diversity and workforce empowerment, ensuring that the people and communities of the Mid North Coast receive high-quality, sustainable healthcare.”
Mr Treseder said the board was confident that under Ms Wong’s leadership MNCLHD would continue to grow as a person-centred organisation that delivers innovative and integrated healthcare solutions and focuses on the wellbeing of its staff, patients, carers and community.
In her new role, Ms Wong will oversee seven hospitals, 13 community health centres, a range of out of hospital services, lead more than 5000 staff and manage a budget of more than $880 million.
RANZCR president-elect named
Sydney-based clinical radiologist Dr Rajiv Rattan has been elected president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, effective from 1 January 2026.
Dr Rattan has a long-standing involvement with RANZCR, having volunteered his expertise and leadership for over 12 years, across numerous roles including board member and dean of the faculty of clinical radiology, member of FRAC and governance committees, leadership in MATEC and six years as NSW branch education officer, supporting over 160 trainees.
Current RANZCR president Professor John Slavotinek congratulated Dr Rattan and welcomed his appointment.
“The board of directors recognises Dr Rattan’s remarkable dedication and commitment to RANZCR, spanning over a decade,” said Professor Slavotinek.
“Dr Rattan is an exceptional leader, with a deep understanding of the sector and commitment to the betterment of our profession. His experience and passion make him the ideal person to lead RANZCR into the future.
“Personally, I am heartened to know that I will be handing over the mantle of presidency to such capable and dedicated hands.”
Dr Rattan said:
“In my tenure as president, I will ensure we continue to improve the standards of training and practice for members to optimise health outcomes for patients and society.
“As we look to 2026, I am focused on leading the delivery of the Horizon 1 priorities of RANZCR’s 2040 strategic plan. Our strategic plan is underpinned by strong governance, whilst prioritising the voices of our members, and positioning RANZCR as the leading voice of the sector.
“I also believe that we will benefit from working in collaboration with international societies to address the challenges and opportunities faced by our profession, so together we can remain future-focused.”
New medical director at HNECC PHN
Hunter New England and Central Coast PHN has appointed a new medical director.
Dr Michelle Redford has over 20 years’ experience as a GP in both the UK and Australia. She has specialised training in leadership, education and digital health.
“I look forward to collaborating with the team across our diverse region to improve access to primary care services and ensure that the clinical voice is more closely integrated within the organisation,” said Dr Redford.
Previously, she served as the GP advisor for the HNECC PHN Integrated Care Partnership and the Diabetes Alliance Program.
She is also a member of the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation GP Advisory Group.
Her experience spans commissioning, quality improvement, and teaching, and she has contributed to both local and national guidelines, pathways, and standards.
“Dr Redford’s extensive experience and clinical knowledge will ensure that our initiatives are grounded in the latest evidence-based practices, ultimately enhancing the quality and effectiveness of our primary care programs,” said PHN CEO Richard Nankervis.
“Her leadership will foster stronger collaboration between healthcare sectors, streamline services, and enable us to better address the needs of both healthcare professionals and the communities we serve.
“By leveraging her expertise, we are poised to strengthen our role in shaping healthcare policy and improving patient outcomes across the region.”
GPs within the HNECC PHN region can contact Dr Redford via email at m.redford@thephn.com.au
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Optiscan’s new C-suite
ASX-listed imaging technology firm Optiscan Imaging has made some significant changes to its C-suite, naming current finance manager Darius Ooi as chief financial officer.
Mr Ooi has been with the company for three years and has led the transformation of the finance department to support the company’s global strategy with an expanding product portfolio.
Belinda Williamson has been appointed as chief commercial officer and will head the firm’s customer team. She was previously group sales manager medical and national sales manager at Olympus Medical, and regional sales manager with Johnson and Johnson.
Following the departures of Nicole Williams and Ken Lock, Optiscan has appointed Jessica Ward and as its US-based director of clinical and regulatory affairs. Most recently Ms Ward led clinical and medical affairs at Stryker Instruments.
The appointments are the result of a reorganisation of Optiscan’s executive team, with chief operating officer Brendan Fafiani stepping down to pursue other opportunities.
Two biotech CEOs move on
ASX-listed medical imaging firm Mach7 Technologies has announced its US-based CEO Mike Lampron will step down from 20 June, after being in the role since 2019.
He will be replaced by Teri Thomas, who led NZ-based, ASX-listed breast imaging play Volpara Health Technologies until it was subsumed by South Korea’s Lunit Inc and delisted last year.
At diagnostics company Universal Biosensors, CEO John Sharman has stepped down effective immediately for personal reasons.
Formerly the CEO of Medical Developments, Mr Sharman ran Universal Biosensors for five years.
He has been replaced by the chief finance officer Peter Mullin, who was previously the CEO of mattress maker The Comfort Group and headed online broker Etrade.