Dr Joanne Shaw 

Associate Professor in the School of Clinical Medicine - UQ

Dr Joanne Shaw attended BSHS in 1980 and 1981 for years 11 and 12. She was Dux in 1981, achieved the equivalent of an OP1 and attended the University of QLD Medical School where she achieved first class honours and a university medal in 1987. She was awarded the Rhodes Scholarship for 'Australia at Large' 1988, which also enabled her to undertake research in Oxford.

Joanne is currently Associate Professor in the School of Clinical Medicine (Prince Charles Hospital Northside Clinical Unit) at the University of Queensland. She is actively involved in research in collaboration with QIMR regarding the genetic basis of type 2 diabetes and has a busy private practice. She also has the great joy of being a mother.

During her time at Brisbane State High School, Joanne participated in many extracurricular activities including the titration team and the school choir. Joanne's favourite State High memory was having her dad drive her to school every day. Living almost 2 hours away from school, he made this sacrifice so she would have more time to study.

Joanne's advice for graduating students is to keep in touch with your high school friends. Kids who go to State High come from Chapel Hill to Coorparoo, Kedron to Kangaroo Point, so it's easy to drift away, but it is important to put in the effort to keep in touch because you have been through so much together.

Written by Prianka Indla*

*NB: This alumni profile was crafted by a State High student as part of the school's student/alumni interview project during the 2021 Centenary celebration.