Emerging Australian leader goes to Harvard
Dr Fiona Lander
Accomplished lawyer and doctor, Monash alumna Dr Fiona Lander has received the prestigious Frank Knox Memorial Fellowship to Harvard University to commence Masters studies this September.
Graduating in 2009 with dual honours, Dr Lander is the first graduate from the combined Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and Bachelor of Laws program to be awarded the scholarship.
Whilst completing a Masters of Public Health specialising in Law and Public Health at Harvard University, Dr Lander will build upon her research in the field of comparative public health law.
“It is an incredible honour to be among the small number of Australians who have been awarded this scholarship, Dr Lander said
"Studying at Harvard will be an invaluable opportunity to further investigate public health law and health policy, as well as novel methods of partnership between medical and legal services to improve health and justice outcomes.”
The Frank Knox Memorial Fellowship is one of Harvard University’s most prestigious scholarships, awarded to recipients who show outstanding academic excellence, strength of character and potential for leadership in their fields. The Fellowship is awarded to up to three Australians each year.
Dr Lander has previously held a two-year role with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to health, working with Anand Grover in Mumbai, India. During this time she completed country missions in Australia, Guatemala, Syria and Ghana, and organised consultations with civil society organisations.
Her role with the United Nations Special Rapporteur enabled Dr Lander to negotiate the establishment of a Castan Centre Global Internship for Monash Law students, with the Special Rapporteur.
“Establishing the internship allows Monash students the opportunity to take part in the global efforts to secure the right to health for all,” Dr Lander said.
Currently working as a lawyer at Melbourne law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth and as a doctor at Austin Health, Dr Lander also juggles an annual lecturing commitment at the Copenhagen School of Global Health, along with academic research into public health and human rights law