Professor Voula Tsoutsikos

I have experienced Flinders University through varied roles, beginning in research as a PhD student in Clinical Pharmacology, followed by over a decade of teaching in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program as a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) tutor, before progressing to roles as Course Coordinator and Teaching Program Director in Medical Biosciences. I currently serve as Teaching Program Director (Clinical Programs) in the College of Medicine and Public Health, working collaboratively with teams across the Doctor of Medicine, Paramedicine, Clinical Education and Counselling programs.

I am passionate about enhancing student learning through active and innovative teaching approaches. My work includes integrating educational technologies and evidence-informed teaching practices. I introduced cloud-based learning into physiology and have collaborated with national and international colleagues to publish research in physiology education, focused on active learning and physiological core concepts. I am also a co-author of the 7th ed of Pharmacology for Health Professionals, developing contemporary educational resources for students in the health professions.

My contributions to teaching and learning have been recognised through prestigious awards. In 2024, I was named STEMM Educator of the Year at the South Australian Science Excellence and Innovation Awards (SASEIA) and received an Australian Award for University Teaching (AAUT) Teaching Excellence Award (Health). In 2021, I was awarded an AAUT Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning. This recognition reflects my commitment to educational innovation, teaching excellence and enhancing the student learning experience. My interests also extend to graduate employability and work-integrated learning (WIL). Recent collaborations with academic colleagues and industry partners contributed to my team being shortlisted in the Employability category of the 2026 Australian Financial Review Higher Education Awards.

Beyond my teaching and leadership responsibilities, I am committed to mentoring colleagues, fostering collaboration and building teaching capability across disciplines. I initiated the College's Teaching Specialist Community of Practice and contribute to the Higher Education Research Group Adelaide (HERGA), supporting collaboration and the scholarship of teaching and learning. I mentor colleagues nationally through the Australian Awarded University Teachers' Network (AAUTN) Mentoring Scheme and support colleagues seeking recognition as Senior Fellows of AdvanceHE (UK). My leadership extends to curriculum development, quality assurance and accreditation across health professional education, including the development of laboratory medicine and new pharmacy programs. I am motivated by opportunities to bring together academic teams and industry partners to develop innovative, contemporary and professionally relevant education programs that prepare graduates for evolving healthcare environments.