Visionary support for contemporary education

Later as a medical researcher, Gordon’s research played a crucial role in supporting troops during the War II, particularly in Malaya, Borneo and Indonesia, underpinning new understandings of tropical diseases.

Gordon probed the teaching of medicine and had a vision to improve this field, ultimately leading him to make a joint bequest with his wife Barbara to support medical education in his Will.

Throughout her life Barbara advocated for women and community health, seeking no attention in her plight to help others. On her passing in 1982 the joint bequest to support medical education became available to Flinders University. 

Today, the Heaslip Bequest to Medical Education greatly assists Flinders University’s mission to pursue excellence in contemporary teaching and has positively impacted many lives though the development of integrated medical skills and knowledge.

Past Heaslip Fellows who have contributed to developing a cutting-edge curriculum include Ion Wallace, Professor Elizabeth (Liz) Farmer, Emeritus Professor David Prideaux, Sue Henry-Edwards, Jenny Savage, Dr Helena Ward, Dr Catherine Howell, Dr Annie Murray, Dr Julie Halbert, Dr Susanne Pearce and Collette Green. 

On Wednesday 21 November 2018, Flinders University hosted members of the extended Heaslip family and past Heaslip Fellows at a bequest recognition event, with the opening of a commemorative plaque in the Flinders University Special Collection Library. Read the program

Create change for future generations: Leave a bequest
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^{Published November 2018. Updated October 2023. Author: Lynda Allen.}