The NORTH Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Associate Professor Sarah Glastras to our Board of Directors, stepping into the role of clinician representative. A leading endocrinologist and clinician-researcher based at Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH), Sarah brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of patient care and medical innovation to our strategic direction.
Sarah currently holds appointments at Royal North Shore Hospital and the University of Sydney. Her clinical and academic work has focused on diabetes, kidney disease and obesity, with a passion for improving long-term health outcomes through research and innovation. She is also a well-regarded educator and mentor to the next generation of clinician-researchers. We are incredibly fortunate to have someone of her calibre joining our team.
“I’m honoured to join the NORTH Foundation board and contribute to a purpose that is so close to my heart. Supporting healthcare and medical research that helps our community is incredibly meaningful to me, so I look forward to helping the NORTH Foundation deepen its impact across Northern Sydney and beyond,” said Sarah Glastras.
Sarah’s expertise spans diabetes, obesity and women’s endocrine health, with a special focus on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diabetes in pregnancy and weight management. She consults at the Northern Sydney Endocrine Centre and is a Staff Specialist at RNSH. She also leads the Diabetes Clinical Advisory Group for the Northern Sydney Local Health District and is the Training Lead for the Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations (ACADI).
Actively involved in clinical trials, Sarah is particularly interested in new technologies for diabetes management, especially for type 1 diabetes. With a background in psychology prior to her medical training, she brings a deep understanding of the psychosocial aspects of chronic illness, advocating for evidence-based, holistic, and empowering patient care.
Michael Ellies, Chair of the NORTH Foundation Board of Directors, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the board. Her clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to research excellence make her an ideal addition to our mission of improving healthcare through philanthropy. We are fortunate to have her insight and leadership at the table.”
As we welcome Sarah, we also take this opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable contribution of Professor Jonathan Morris AO, who has stepped down after more than a decade of dedicated service. Jonathan has been an instrumental figure in guiding the NORTH Foundation’s evolution, championing the importance of clinician-led research and advocating for better healthcare outcomes across the Northern Sydney Local Health District.
Michael said:
“I’d like to sincerely thank Jonathan for his many years of valuable contribution – it has been a joy and privilege to serve alongside him.”
Gil Lorquet, CEO of the NORTH Foundation, added:
“We thank Professor Jonathan Morris for his tireless dedication and counsel over the last 14 years – spanning nearly six years with the NORTH Foundation since its inception in 2018, and the eight years prior with the Kolling Foundation. His influence has shaped much of who we are today, and his legacy will continue to inspire our work for years to come.”
We are immensely grateful to both Jonathan and Sarah for their commitment to the NORTH Foundation’s vision. Together with our board and supporters, we are focused on shaping the future of healthcare for all.
