Dr Barbara Woodhouse

“I really enjoy mentoring young surgeons and even those who just think they might be interested in surgery. The thing that brings me the most pleasure is helping young women find a way to reach their full potential”.

Dr Barbara Woodhouse is a distinguished oral and maxillofacial surgeon who has made significant contributions to the professions of dentistry and medicine, not only through her work in Australia but also through her international community involvement.

Graduating initially with a Bachelor of Dental Science with Honours from The University of Queensland (UQ), Dr Woodhouse worked for Queensland Health and in private practice before commencing her training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, intermitting to complete a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.

From 1994 to 2009, she was appointed as a consultant at the Royal Brisbane Hospital where she pioneered several techniques not previously performed in Australia.

During her subsequent eight years as chair of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Overseas Aid Committee (ANZAOMS), Dr Woodhouse coordinated the training of local surgeons in Bangladesh, Fiji, Tonga, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Cambodia and Vanuatu, and continues to undertake significant humanitarian work in the Asia-Pacific to improve the lives of those with facial deformities, often in minimal facilities and with no backup or support.

She has served as Lieutenant Colonel Consultant to the Australian Army and also on the national board of examiners for doctors applying for specialist registration in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

A proponent for women in medicine, Dr Woodhouse enjoys mentoring young female surgeons and all students considering a career in medicine, and especially surgery. From its inception, she has been involved in the graduate course mentorship program for UQ medical students and has been a long term supporter of SWIM (Supporting Women in Medicine) and IncisionUQ (formerly UQ Surgical Interest Group).

Awards

Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Award
2018
Image of Barbara Woodhouse

Qualifications

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
1992
Master of Dental Science
1986
Bachelor of Dental Science (Hons)
1978