Real-life simulation training
Clinicians participate in practical role-play sessions with professional actors and expert facilitators, building confidence in challenging conversations.
Support the Pam McLean Centre
Contribute to the professional development programs that help enhance clinicians' communication skills during the some of the most important conversations with patients and families.
Our goal
$200,000
Raised
$0
To go
$200,000
Supporting better conversations in healthcare
When patients and families face a life-changing diagnosis, trauma or end-of-life care, communication matters.
By supporting the Pam McLean Centre (PMC), you can help healthcare professionals develop the confidence, empathy and skills needed to navigate these difficult conversations with compassion and care.
As Australia’s leading centre for evidence-based health communication training, PMC uses immersive, real-world simulations to help clinicians communicate more effectively with patients, families and colleagues when it matters most.
How your support makes a difference
Training for life's toughest moments
Programs focus on critical areas such as breaking bad news, end-of-life discussions, trauma communication and supporting distressed patients and families.
Supporting the healthcare workforce
With more than 80 programs delivered each year, PMC provides communication training for medical students, trainees and experienced clinicians through in-person and online workshops.
Creating better patient experiences
Good communication helps patients feel informed, supported and empowered during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. It builds trust, reduces anxiety and strengthens the partnership between patients, families and healthcare teams.
Your donation will help the Pam McLean Centre continue to deliver world-class communication training, expand access to healthcare professionals and develop innovative programs that improve the experience of care for patients and families.
YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
Support the Pam McLean Centre
Together, we can make every conversation count
By investing in communication skills, you are helping create a healthcare system where patients feel heard, families feel supported and clinicians are equipped to provide compassionate care when it matters most.
Meet the Pam McLean Centre team
Professor Fran Boyle AM
Director
Professor Fran Boyle AM
Director
About Professor Fran
For more than two decades, Fran has been dedicated to helping clinicians navigate some of the most difficult conversations in healthcare, supporting patients and families with greater empathy, clarity and care. Through the Pam McLean Centre, she continues to lead work that strengthens communication when it matters most.
A Medical Oncologist specialising in breast cancer, Fran has advanced communication in healthcare for more than 20 years. Her work has shaped multidisciplinary learning and strengthened how care is delivered in difficult moments, with this work shared both nationally and internationally.
Fran was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2008 for her contributions to cancer research, education, advocacy and policy.
A Medical Oncologist specialising in breast cancer, Fran has advanced communication in healthcare for more than 20 years. Her work has shaped multidisciplinary learning and strengthened how care is delivered in difficult moments, with this work shared both nationally and internationally.
Fran was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2008 for her contributions to cancer research, education, advocacy and policy.
Professor Stewart Dunn
Founding Director
Professor Stewart Dunn
Founding Director
About Professor Stewart
Stewart has long championed the importance of compassionate communication in healthcare, recognising the profound impact it has on patients and families during challenging and emotional times. His vision helped establish the Pam McLean Centre and embed communication training as a core part of care.
A specialist in psychological medicine and psycho-oncology, Stewart has supported patients, families and clinicians through complex experiences. His work has shaped education and practice across the healthcare sector, helping clinicians communicate with empathy, confidence and clarity.
A specialist in psychological medicine and psycho-oncology, Stewart has supported patients, families and clinicians through complex experiences. His work has shaped education and practice across the healthcare sector, helping clinicians communicate with empathy, confidence and clarity.
Dr Renee Lim
Director of Program Development
Dr Renee Lim
Director of Program Development
About Dr Renee
Combining clinical experience with a deep understanding of human behaviour, Renee is passionate about helping clinicians connect more meaningfully with patients and families. At the Pam McLean Centre, she leads the design of training that brings communication skills to life in practical and engaging ways.
With a background spanning emergency, geriatrics and palliative care, Renee brings a unique, cross-disciplinary approach. Her work focuses on creating immersive learning experiences that strengthen communication, connection and care.
With a background spanning emergency, geriatrics and palliative care, Renee brings a unique, cross-disciplinary approach. Her work focuses on creating immersive learning experiences that strengthen communication, connection and care.
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