Associate Professor Michelle Telfer

MBBS (Hons.), FRACP, GAICD

Michelle is a Paediatrician and Adolescent Medicine Physician and is the current Chief of Medicine, appointed to the position in December 2022.

Prior to being appointed Chief of Medicine, Michelle was the Director of the Department of Adolescent Medicine at RCH. She was also the Director of the RCH Gender Service and has been instrumental in the development and expansion of the clinical and research programs amidst rising demand for trans-specific health care in children and adolescents. As an advocate for improved access to medical treatment, Michelle was central to the achievement of federal legal reform and was first author of the inaugural Australian Standards of Care and Treatment Guidelines for trans and gender diverse children and adolescents, which was endorsed via an editorial in The Lancet. In 2019, Michelle was personally profiled by The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health for her achievements in the field.

"Integrating high quality, evidenced-based mental health care into the clinical care of all children and young people is vital if we are going to maximise the health and wellbeing of our community. The Campus Mental Health Strategy aims to do exactly this, bringing together the expertise of the Royal Children's Hospital, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and The University of Melbourne" – A/Prof Michelle Telfer.

Acknowledgement of Country

At Mental Health Central we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live, gather and work. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

We acknowledge all people with a lived or living experience of mental ill-health and recovery. At the Campus, we particularly acknowledge children, young people, families, carers, and supporters. We recognise their vital contribution and value the courage of those who share this unique perspective for the purpose of learning and growing together to achieve better outcomes for the Campus, staff, sector, and all people of lived experience.

Proudly supported by the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation