Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences

I’m Professor Joan McMeeken AM, PhD

Joan earned her Diploma in Physiotherapy in 1963 from the Physiotherapy School of Victoria in Melbourne. In 1979, she obtained a Bachelor of Science (Hons) from La Trobe University, followed by a Master of Science (Research) in 1987 from the Department of Physiology at The University of Melbourne, and later a PhD in the History and Philosophy of Science in Melbourne. Throughout these years, she also studied various subjects in Australia and the UK.

After working as a clinical Physiotherapist in Australia, she became a Senior Physiotherapist at Westminster Hospital and Queen Mary’s Hospital Roehampton in England. While studying at La Trobe University, she started a physiotherapy service, and her last clinical role was as Manager of Physiotherapy at the Royal Melbourne and Essendon Hospitals.

Most of her career focused on academia. She began as a Demonstrator in Zoology at La Trobe University, then became a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer at Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences, School of Physiotherapy.  She took on the role as Head of Physiotherapy at Lincoln School of Health Sciences at La Trobe University for two years.

After successfully advocating for the University of Melbourne to offer physiotherapy, Joan became the eighth female professor and the Foundation Professor and Head of the School of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne, a role she held for 17 years.

Joan has always been a strong supporter of research, securing grants while at Lincoln and La Trobe University and supervising postgraduate students at Lincoln. Her responsibilities grew at Melbourne, where she published over 100 research papers since 1982. She feels that the focus on academic and career development for staff has limited her personal contributions.

Joan has not only published work but has also presented many conference papers and taught courses, contributing to the growth of physiotherapy both in Australia and around the world. In addition to her regular academic duties like grading theses and reviewing research proposals, she led the Accreditation Committee of the Australian Physiotherapy Council for almost ten years and has continued to assess programs internationally.

Shortly after starting at the University of Melbourne, Joan initiated biannual meetings for the Heads of Physiotherapy in Australia and New Zealand, which is now known as the Council of Physiotherapy Deans. She also established the Rehabilitation Group of Universitas 21. Joan is recognized as an Honoured Member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

She attributes her passion for academia to her time at Lincoln and credits La Trobe University for giving her the chance to conduct her own formal research. These experiences laid the groundwork for her future roles at Melbourne and the many opportunities that came her way.