Mary Roberts
Master of Palliative Care, 2022
Mary Roberts is a nationally and internationally recognised leader in respiratory care, whose pioneering work has transformed clinical practice, education, and research in managing chronic breathlessness. As Clinical Nurse Consultant at Westmead Hospital, she co-leads Australia’s first Breathlessness Intervention Service (BIS), offering non-pharmacological solutions that empower patients and carers to manage breathlessness and improve quality of life.
Mary’s contributions span clinical innovation, research excellence, and health professional education. She established Australia’s only 24/7 nurse led respiratory helpline—personally operated and unfunded—providing critical support to patients and reducing emergency healthcare demand. Her leadership in pulmonary rehabilitation has earned her prestigious accolades, including the Lung Foundation Australia’s “Lung Health Legend” award and the Western Sydney Local Heath District Nursing Leadership Award.
Her research has influenced global respiratory care practices, including world-first studies on airflow as a relief intervention and the development of a new medical device for breathlessness. She has co-authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications and contributed to national clinical guidelines and position statements. Mary also plays a key role in mentoring clinicians, reviewing national nursing curricula, and creating educational resources that have reached thousands of professionals and patients.
Mary is a Clinical Fellow at INSIGHT, UTS Faculty of Health, and continues to collaborate on UTS-led research projects, including a national COPD breathlessness action plan and a public-private BIS model in the ACT. Her work has improved independence, confidence, and care outcomes for hundreds of patients and families.
UTS gave me the academic grounding and collaborative network to turn clinical challenges into research-driven solutions. It’s where I learned to lead with both evidence and empathy.