Professor Lesley Forster commenced in the role of the inaugural Dean of Rural Medicine in November 2019. Lesley joins Charles Sturt from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) where she held the position of Associate Dean (Rural Health) and Head of the Rural Clinical School.

Lesley has extensive experience in regional and rural medicine, including with the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Broken Hill, and in Orange, Bathurst and Wagga Wagga. She has a strong focus on Indigenous medical education and was Convener of the Special Entry to Medicine Program for Indigenous students at UNSW. Lesley was also previously the Director of Medical Administration at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, and established the NSW Trauma System and Retrieval Services, and the Delineation of Roles in Hospitals.