Montu has announced the expansion of its Medical Affairs division, marking a major step forward in setting higher standards of clinical governance, scientific leadership, and responsible patient care within Australia’s fast-growing alternative healthcare sector.

The enhanced function brings together a multidisciplinary team of pharmacists, scientists, clinical researchers, educators, and real-world evidence specialists – one of the first fully built-out Medical Affairs units in the industry. Their mandate: to embed clinical governance, deepen clinician education, and strengthen clinical practice.

Led by General Manager of Medical Affairs, Jeremy Fox, the department is structured to mirror global best practice in leading biotech and pharmaceutical organisations.

Mr Fox said the strengthened function reflects the company’s commitment to clinical integrity and long-term industry leadership.

“Montu operates within a rapidly evolving field, and responsible stewardship matters,” he said.  

“A maturing category deserves the same medical governance, scientific rigour, and clinician support expected in any therapeutic area.

“We have built a Medical Affairs team with deep experience across pharmacology, oncology, neurology, microbiome science, epidemiology, immunology, and public health. 

“Their work supports Montu – and the wider sector – in advancing responsibly, ethically, and with the patient at the centre of care.”

He said the next phase will focus on developing high-quality real-world evidence, expanding healthcare professional training, and strengthening cross-industry collaboration.

“Our role is to illuminate good science, contextualise new data responsibly, and build trust,” he continued. 

“We are here to support clinicians, safeguard patients, and elevate the industry’s understanding.”

Montu’s Medical Affairs team includes:

• Real-World Evidence & Research Governance

Led by Dr Rachel Duckham, who brings more than 20 years of experience across epidemiology, allied health research, public health, and clinical trial leadership. She is establishing the Montu Patient Cohort, designed to support future evidence generation and strengthen national clinical practice.

• Medical Education & Clinical Guidance

Marleen Plate, with a background in clinical oncology pharmacy and healthcare education, leads the development of SAGED’s GP/pharmacist learning programs and clinical treatment-planning modules.

• Mental Health & Neuroscience Literature Review Program

Chris Bush, specialising in immunology, virology, and neuroscience, is leading reviews across mental health indications.

• Safety, Quality, Pharmacovigilance & Global Medical Governance

Sue Pereira brings 20 plus years of experience in pharmacovigilance, risk management, and medical services — including global COVID-19 vaccine safety projects — strengthening Montu’s governance and patient safety systems.

• Scientific Interpretation, Evidence Translation & Medical Communications

Pinn Karnchanachari brings experience across genetics, oncology research, implementation science, and global medical communications. She strengthens Montu’s medical content by translating complex evidence into clear, clinically relevant guidance, ensuring materials are precise, evidence-based, and aligned with scientific and clinical standards.

Across all streams, the division is united by clinical integrity, education, and scientific excellence.

Montu’s Vice-President of Corporate Affairs and Patient Advocacy, Jodie Thomas, said the expansion underscores Montu’s role in shaping a responsible, maturing sector.

“Building a world-class Medical Affairs function reinforces our belief that this industry must grow with integrity, guided by science, patient safety, and strong clinical governance,” she said.