Dr Joanne Lewis is a palliative care clinician and academic focused on the needs of disadvantaged socio-economic groups facing terminal illness. As an undergraduate and post graduate lecturer in the Faculty of Health at UTS and the faculty's Director of Health programs, Joanne coordinates and teaches about aged care, palliative care, Indigenoushealthand primary health care.

A registered nurse with30 yearsof experience, she became aware of the importance of person-centred care and equity in access to health services while working in the Northern Territory with Indigenous patients with chronic health needs. She has worked also as a clinical nurse consultant in palliative care in Western Sydney for over a decade.

Joanne's research has examined the social determinants in palliative care and challenged existing policy on the subject. Her UTS Doctor of Philosophy degree explored the palliative care needs of vulnerable populations within a social-determinants-of-health and social-capital conceptual framework.

Joanne has published widely and regularly reviews articles for national and internationaljournals. She is a member of the Australian College of Nursing,a Palliative Care Network member,and a member of Agency for Clinical Innovation.