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It’s a new year and a new chapter here at InSight+. We are excited to introduce you to some fresh faces joining us in 2023.
Professor Virginia Barbour is the new Editor-in-Chief of the Medical Journal of Australia and the InSight+ newsletter. Sam Hunt has joined as our News and Online Editor, while Annika Howells is our new Digital Communications Specialist.
Together, we will be working hard to deliver quality, evidence-based content for you – our valued reader!
Introducing Professor Virginia Barbour, Editor-in-Chief
Tell us a bit about your background and career so far
I trained as doctor, specialising in haematology, in the UK. I completed a DPhil at Oxford University and then did postdoctoral research in the US, both in globin gene regulation. I became an editor almost by accident when I covered an editor’s maternity leave at The Lancet and found I really enjoyed working at a journal. I left The Lancet to be one of the founding editors of PLOS Medicine, at the very beginning of the open access revolution. With two other editors and a small group of colleagues, we successfully launched PLOS Medicine from scratch.
I’ve also worked in a variety of related positions, including in universities – most recently as Co-Lead Office for Scholarly Communication at QUT, and as an advisor in Australia, in the UK and internationally in a range of organisations from small start-ups to intergovernmental organisations. I remain part time as Director of Open Access Australasia.
What drew you to working with the MJA and Insight+?
National medical journals occupy a very important part of the medical journal publishing landscape. I was very attracted to the idea of working at the MJA, which is in the rather unique position of being able to both publish great research and commentary, and also to advocate for health priorities and policy across Australia.
What are you hoping to bring to MJA and Insight+ in your role? What are your goals?
My vision for the MJA is for it to be the preeminent journal that reports, reflects, and advocates for the health priorities of Australia. Underpinning this vision are core principles, all intertwined: a commitment to diversity of contributors, editorial staff and reviewers; equity of access to both the publishing and reading of research; and a commitment to quality, integrity and innovation.
Is there an area of medicine or health care that you are particularly passionate about?
I’m very passionate about the relationship between climate change and health, but as we also know, these are intricately linked to equity – so a combination of climate change and equity are priorities for me.
Introducing Sam Hunt, News and Online Editor
Tell us a bit about your background and career so far
I have a strong background in journalism and health. I worked for seven years in some of the busiest television and radio newsrooms in Australia. I cut my teeth chasing stories on the road for 2GB Radio in Sydney, before working for Sky News Australia, ITV News in London and Southern Cross Ten in Canberra. After several years in journalism, I took the plunge and decided to use my skills in government. I worked in communications and health policy for three tiers of health service – Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton Victoria, Country Health Local Health Network in South Australia, and the federal Department of Health in Canberra.
What drew you to working with Insight+?
When I heard about the opportunity to join Insight+, I jumped at it. I am passionate about storytelling and I have a real affinity for health communications. Being the news and online editor of Insight+ has given me the opportunity to combine both my passions!
What are you hoping to bring to Insight+ in your role?
We have a wonderful team here at the Medical Journal of Australia and I am really looking forward to building on our strong history of delivering thoughtful news and opinion pieces.
Is there an area of medicine or health care that you are particularly passionate about?
I am particularly passionate about regional health. I spent three years covering regional issues as a journalist, and also worked for the local health service in Shepparton Victoria, so I have a great affinity with the health-related issues Australians face in regional areas.
Introducing Annika Howells, Digital Communications Specialist
Tell us a bit about your background and career so far
I have ten years of experience in the medico-legal industry as an editor and proofreader. I’ve always pursued creative writing in my free time and became a (somewhat accidental) social media manager when my pet cockatiel became an internet celebrity.
What drew you to working with Insight+?
I had always wanted to find a role where I could combine my medical editing experience with my writing and creativity, but the opportunities were limited in Brisbane. When I came across the chance to work remotely for Insight+, it was exactly the role I had been looking for.
What are you hoping to bring to Insight+ in your role?
I’m hoping to stretch my wings in a professional writing capacity and help cultivate a welcoming, informative voice across our social media channels.
Is there an area of medicine or health care that you are particularly passionate about?
I’m very passionate about autism awareness and research, especially regarding people assigned female at birth who historically have been underdiagnosed.
We look forward to providing you with excellent and compelling content.
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