Ruth Bollard

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT RUTH BOLLARD

DR RUTH BOLLARD MB CHB, MSC, FRCS, FRACS, FAICD Leveraging a solid surgical background with significant experience in leadership and governance, based on respect, innovation and excellence. Having spent over 35 years as a general surgeon, specializing in the surgical oncoplastic breast cancer treatment within the NHS and regional Victoria. Also, as a business owner for 10 years, coupled with two positions on not-for-profit boards in the last 8 years, I bring a wealth of diverse experience. Professional Summary. Having moved from the UK to practice in the regional Victorian city of Ballarat, I not only took up Australian citizenship, but I also embraced the Australian way of life and values, both living and working in a regional area. My hobbies include on and off-road cycling, mountain and bush walking, plus skiing. I have had the fortune to be in lead roles within health sectors and am passionate about striving for best quality of care for regional and rural patients. I was Director of Surgery at Ballarat Health Services and Clinical Director for Grampians Integrated Cancer Services. Whilst Chair of Women in Surgery Section of College of Surgeons in 2015, I played an important role in leading the Australasian College of Surgeons through its cultural behavioural crisis. Diversity and Inclusion continues important to me, as we strive to align with our communities. Re-elected in 2021 for a final term to the board of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, I currently sit of the RACS Building Respect Improving Patient Safety Operational Committee. With 4 years as chair of RACS Fellowship services this varied portfolio included the Rural surgery section. I also led the RACS Wellbeing Intercollegiate working party, this included writing our Doctor Wellbeing Charter, which was launched in 2021, and has 16 medical college endorsements. The aim of which has been to bring awareness and importance to doctor health and wellbeing, and to identify the roles and responsibilities everyone must play in ensuring we put our best selves forward. Recently retired from clinical practice, I look forward to the new challenges and learnings I believe serving on the Peter MacCallum board work will bring me. As a Fellow of Australian Institute of Company Directors, I am looking forward to utilising the many acquired skills and qualifications for Peter MacCallum. In essence, my focus will be to aim for the best health care for all cancer patients, advocates and carers, including the important health care work force that care and support them.