Professor Justin Beilby is an academic GP with outstanding expertise in primary care and aged care research, health service evaluation, general practice intervention studies, and the translation of research findings into policy and clinical practice. Professor Beilby was appointed to the role of Vice- Chancellor, Torrens University Australia in January 2015. He has completed this role and recently been appointed to Emeritus Professor.

Early in his career Prof Beilby established a research focus in public health while working in Papua New Guinea. This experience of genuinely improving the lives of people through the translation of research set a strong foundation for applied research.

Balancing his academic career, his clinical role as a GP and his family commitments has been a perpetual ‘dance’ for Justin throughout his career. This experience has informed his approach to mentoring. Justin sees mentoring as a genuine conversation that starts with a discussion of realistic goals that are set within the context of the ‘rest of your life’. This balance needs to be considered and managed early, not at a time of crisis when one part of your life needs serious repair.

Justin likes to be curious about ‘what matters’ to his mentees. A conversation about what matters points to personal values, what is really important; what cannot be compromised. However, Justin understand the dynamic nature of goals, family context and personal confidence. He helps his mentees look beyond 1 year and 3 year goals by having a conversation that explores possibilities and options for 5 years and 8 years. This is where Justin’s wealth of experience is very valuable. Justin helps his mentees look further into possible futures because he has seen multiple pathways within academia and indeed potentially beyond academia.

Prior to taking on the role of Vice Chancellor at Torrens University, he completed ten years as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, which required oversight of all academic, educational and research programs.

He has led the academic development of the $250 million Medical and Nursing School in the South Australian Health and Biomedical Precinct, and was a member of the inaugural South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Board. In 2008 he was chosen as one of the twelve Commissioners for the National Health and Hospital Reform Commission that developed a new model for the Australian health care system.