2019 – Professor Katie Allen and Sylvia Falzon, Cabrini Chairman

Cabrini mourns the passing of former Cabrini Board member Professor Katie Allen late last year. Prof Allen was an esteemed clinician, researcher and leader whose dedication to patient care, medical research and community health left an enduring legacy within our organisation and beyond.

Prof Allen served as a valued member of the Cabrini Board from 2017 to 2019, bringing to her governance role deep clinical expertise and a strong research-informed perspective. As Chair of the Patient Experience and Clinical Governance Committee, she was a principled and thoughtful leader, known for her rigorous approach to quality and safety and her unwavering focus on patient-centred care.

A highly respected medical researcher, Prof Allen was a passionate advocate for the role of research in improving health outcomes. She consistently championed evidence-based practice and the translation of research into meaningful improvements in clinical care. Her contributions helped ensure that Cabrini’s approach to governance and patient experience was grounded in scientific integrity, accountability and compassion.

In 2019, Prof Allen resigned from the Cabrini Board to enter public life, driven by a desire to advocate more broadly for health, research and equity within her local community. This step reflected her belief that strong health systems are built through the integration of clinical excellence, research leadership and public policy.

Prof Allen was widely admired for her intellect, courage and generosity of spirit. She was a fierce advocate for health and medical research, and a role model to colleagues across medicine, research, governance and public service.

Cabrini extends its deepest condolences to Prof Allen’s family, friends and colleagues. We are forever grateful for her service and are honoured to have benefited from her wisdom and her leadership. Her legacy will continue to inform and inspire our work for years to come.