PA Hospital Cardiothoracic surgeon and medical trailblazer, Assoc. Prof Julie Mundy has claimed one of the highest honours in the country after being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) on 26 January.
Claiming the Australia Day Honour for the second time in her career, Prof Mundy was recognised for her significant contribution to cardiothoracic surgery and to numerous professional associations.
Among a cohort of nearly two dozen specialists included in the 2024 Honours list, Prof Mundy leaves an indelible footprint on cardiothoracic surgery that stretches over four decades and countless achievements.
Brisbane-born and raised, Prof Mundy graduated from the University of Queensland (UQ) in 1982, before throwing herself into the rigorous surgical training program and obtaining her general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery FRACS in 1990 and 1993 respectively. It was during this time that Prof Mundy made her first connection to PA Hospital and sealed her passion for cardiothoracic surgery.
A career made of dedication to her practice and to raising the next generation of surgeons saw Prof Mundy take her expertise to a number of Australian and UK hospitals, universities, committees and medical societies, where she collected numerous accolades before returning to PA Hospital and being appointed Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery from 1999 to 2017.
More than 40 years since pioneering her way into the male-dominated ranks and claiming her place as one of Australia’s first female cardiothoracic surgeons, Prof Mundy has carved an illustrious career with outstanding skill, determination, and her signature no-nonsense approach.
Known by her team as an excellent surgeon, a dedicated clinician, and a thoughtful colleague, Prof Mundy’s footprint on the specialty and her peers is felt far and wide. But it is her exceptional mentorship and commitment to raising the standard of training for junior surgeons that stands out most at the unit.
“Dr Mundy has put a huge amount of work into primary exam (RACS) education, noting no trainee has ever failed their Fellowship exam while at PA Hospital. She is a bit of a hard taskmaster, but she always produces great surgeons,” said PAH Director Cardiothoracic Surgery, Dr Wingchi Lo.
“Dr Mundy has absolutely superb skills, she’s very smart and has excellent judgment,” said retired PAH Cardiologist Dr Paul Garrahy.
As she prepares to retire the scalpel, Prof Mundy looks forward to traveling Australia in her campervan and trading time in theatre for other special interests like astronomy and cooking.
Congratulations on a lifetime’s achievement, Prof Mundy, and thank you for your immense contribution to cardiothoracic surgery.