Joan Refshauge facts for kids

Joan Janet Brown Refshauge OBE (born December 3, 1906 – died July 25, 1979) was an Australian doctor, manager, and teacher. She worked mainly in New Guinea. In 1964, she received the OBE award and the Cilento Medal for her important work.

Early Life and Learning

Joan Refshauge was born in Armadale, Victoria, Australia. She was the oldest of five children. One of her brothers, William Refshauge, also became a well-known doctor.

Joan went to several schools, including University High School and Presbyterian Ladies' College. She then studied at the University of Melbourne. She earned degrees in science (BSc in 1928, MSc in 1929) and later in medicine (MB/B.S. in 1939).

Before becoming a doctor, Joan taught math from 1930 to 1935.

Her Career as a Doctor

Joan Refshauge started her medical career working at hospitals like the Alfred Hospital and the Queen Victoria Hospital.

During World War II, she joined the Army Medical Corps. Her job was to look after the health of women serving in the army in the Melbourne area.

After the war, she became a medical officer for the Public Health department in Papua New Guinea.

Helping Families in New Guinea

In 1947, Joan moved to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, to join her husband. At that time, female doctors were usually only allowed to work with mothers and children.

After her divorce in 1948, her son joined her in New Guinea. Joan then took charge of the Maternal and Child Health Services. This meant she was responsible for the health of mothers and children across the region.

She hired staff, set up training for nurses, and managed health services for schools. Under her leadership, they created many health centers:

• 21 main clinics
• 528 village clinics
• 541 centers visited by mobile teams

She left this role in 1963. She then joined the Queensland Department of Health and became a deputy-director for maternal and child welfare in 1968. She retired in 1973.

Personal Life

On May 19, 1937, Joan married Max Bergin, who worked as a surveyor. Their only child, a son named Rupert Bergin, was born in 1942. Joan and Max divorced in 1948.

Joan Refshauge passed away on July 25, 1979, in Auchenflower, Brisbane, Queensland. She was 72 years old and was survived by her son, Rupert.

Awards and Special Mentions

• 1964: She received the OBE award. This is a special honor given for great achievements.
• 1964: She was also given the Cilento Medal]. This award honored her "excellent work for maternal and child health in Papua-New Guinea."

Books and Writings

Joan Refshauge's work and life are mentioned in several books:

• The Diseases and Health Services of Papua New Guinea (1973), edited by C. Bell.
• Women Physicians of the World (1978), edited by L. M. Hellstedt.
• That They Might Live (1979), by E. Kettle.
• Dealing with Death, Beginning with Birth: Women's Health and Childbirth on Misima Island, Papua New Guinea (1999), a university paper by J. Byford.