Dr Megan Best

PhD MAAE BMed (Hons) GradDipQHR ClinDipPM ATh
Research Associate, Convenor Bioethics and Health Ethics, Research Integrity Advisor

Email: megan.best@nd.edu.au
Phone: 02 8204-4685
ORCID ID: 0000-0003-1570-8872

  • Biography

    Associate Professor Megan Best is a Research Associate with the Institute for Ethics and Society at the University of Notre Dame Australia. She has a clinical background in Palliative Medicine. She has taught medical ethics at tertiary level for many years and is internationally known for her work in ethics from a Christian perspective.

    Associate Professor Best’s research interests include spirituality in healthcare, existential suffering, psycho-oncology, whole person care and bioethics. She has a long-term commitment to evidence-based health policy development.

    Associate Professor Best has published extensively in palliative care, medical ethics, spirituality in healthcare, whole person care and psycho-oncology. Her research in spiritual care of patients has been taken up across Australia and internationally, influencing the development of many medical curricula and the work of the European Association of Palliative Care. She has been awarded research grants by many institutions including the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), The University of Notre Dame Australia, St Vincent’s Health Australia, and the University of Sydney. She was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship by the NSW Cancer Institute.

  • Teaching areas

    • Medical ethics
    • Spirituality in healthcare
    • Palliative Care
    • Psychosocial impact of genomics

  • Research expertise and supervision

    • Eating disorders and Christian spirituality
    • Meaning-making for patients with traumatic brain injury
    • Enabling medical students to develop skills in spiritual history taking
    • Developing spiritual care training for hospital and aged care staff
    • Factors shaping community views on euthanasia
    • Nursing competencies for existential support of patients at the end of life
    • The experience of uncertainty in genomic testing for cancer patients
    • The relationship between previous head injury and demoralization in palliative care patients
    • Palliative care service provision in Ethiopia
    • Influential factors in decision-making amongst palliative care patients
    • Translating melanoma genomic risk information into prevention and early detection strategies
    • Genomics in palliative care
    • How is spirituality discussed in palliative care consultations
    • Ethical implications for use of the oral contraceptive pill

  • Books

    • Best M. (2024). Spiritual care in palliative care – what it is and why it matters. (Editor) Springer.
    • Best M. (2013). A life already started. Sydney: fervr. Winner Reviewer’s Choice CALEB Awards 2014.
    • Best M. (2012). Fearfully and wonderfully made. Sydney: IVP. Shortlisted for Australian Christian Book of the Year 2013.

  • Book chapters

    • Best M. (2024). The doctor’s role in Spiritual Care. In Best M. (ed.) Spiritual care in palliative care. Springer.
    • Best, M. (2024). Dignity in Palliative Patients. In: MacLeod, R.D., Van den Block, L. (eds) Textbook of Palliative Care. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31738-0_29-2
    • Best M. (2021). Psychosocial Issues in Genomic Testing, including Genomic Testing for Targeted Therapies. In: Breitbart W. (eds.) Psycho-Oncology, 110. ISBN: 0190097655. ISBN: 9780190097653. DOI: 10.1093/med/9780190097653.003.0016.
    • Best M. (2019). Dignity in Palliative Care. In: MacLeod R. & Van den Block L. (eds) Textbook of Palliative Care. Springer, Cham. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-31738-0_29-1.

  • Journal articles and proceedings

    See ORCiD ID 0000-0003-1570-8872 for a complete list of publications

    • Voltz D, Grabenweger R, Best MC, Hau P, Jones KF, Linker R, Paal P, Bumes E. ‘Not me!’ a qualitative, vignette-based study of nurses’ and physicians’ reactions to spiritual distress on neuro-oncological units. Supportive Care in Cancer. 2024; 32:499. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-024-08704-y
    • Best MC, Simpson G, Jones KF, Merritt F, Casey M, Lynch S, Eisman JA, Cohen J, Mackie D, Beilharz K, Kearney M. Measurement of spiritual wellbeing in an Australian hospital population using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Spiritual Wellbeing (FACIT-Sp-12).  J Relig Health (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-024-02064-x
    • Best MC, Butow P, Savard J, Newson AJ, Campbell R, Vatter S, Napier C, Bartley N, Tucker K, Ballinger ML, Thomas DM. From ownership to custodianship of tumor biopsy tissue in genomic testing: A mixed methods study of patient views. Oncologist. 2024 May 7:oyae074. doi: 10.1093/oncolo/oyae074. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38713191.
    • Cooper AL, Best MC, Read RA, Brown, JA. Exploring work-related stressors experienced by mental health nurses: A qualitative descriptive study. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. 2024;00:1–12. DOI: 10.1111/jpm.13038
    • Best M, Tunks Leach K, Layson M, Carey L. Military perspectives on spiritual care provision in the Australian Defence Force. Journal of Religion and Health. 2024; 63(1):289. DOI: 10.1007/s10943-023-01985-3. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10943-023-01985-3
    • Jones K, Kearney M, Best M. Effect of a spiritual care training program to build knowledge, competence, confidence and self-awareness among Australian health and aged care staff: an exploratory study. JORH. 2024; 63(1):274.
    • Thomas H, Lynch J, Burch E, Best M, Ball L, Sturgiss E. Sturman N. (2023). Where the joy comes from: A qualitative exploration of deep GP-patient relationships. BMC Primary Care, 24:268.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-023-02224-0
    • Grabenweger R, Volz D, Bumes E, Weck C, Best M, Paal P. Vignettes as a Novel Research Tool in Spiritual Care: A Methods Paper. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 2024;80:1232-1240. DOI: 10.1111/jan.15908
    • Wenham J, Best M, Kissane D. An on-line survey of Australian medical students’ perspectives on Spiritual History Taking and Spiritual care. Journal of Religion and Health. 2024; 63(1):257. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-023-01897-2Butow P, Havard PE, Butt Z, Juraskova I, Sharpe L, Dhillon H, Beatty L, Beale P, Cigolini M, Kelly B, Chan RJ, Kirsten L, Best MC, Shaw J. (2023) Stakeholder perspectives on the impact of COVID‑19 on oncology services: a qualitative study. Supportive Care in Cancer, 31:491. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-023-07916-y
    • Paal P, Brandstotter C, Grabenweger R, Jones K, Best M. (2023). Spirituality is “sometimes just a hug”: A conceptual analysis from the perpective of nursing students. Palliative & Supportive Care, 1-8. Doi:10.1017/S1478951523000974.
    • White S, Turbitt E, Rogers K, Tucker K, McEwen A, Best M, Phillips J, Jacobs C. A survey of genetic and palliative care health professionals’ views of integrating genetics into palliative care. European Journal of Human Genetics 2023. doi: 10.1038/s41431-023-01409-6.
    • Harrison C, Bartley N, Jacobs C, Best M, Vatter S, Meiser B, Ballinger M, Thomas D, members of the PiGeOn Project, Butow P. Family Communication and Results Disclosure After Germline Sequencing: A Mixed Methods Study. Patient Education and Counseling 2023. 114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2023.107800.
    • Di Mascio R, Lynch S, Phillips J, Best M. (2024). Nurses' models of spiritual care: A cross-sectional survey of American nurses. Palliative & Supportive Care, 22, 314–324. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951523000676.
    • Layson M, Carey L, Best M. The Impact of Faith-Based Pastoral Care in Decreasingly Religious Contexts: The Chaplaincy Advantage in Critical Environments. Journal of religion and Health. 2023. 62:1491-1512 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-023-01791-x
    • Thomas H, Best M, Chua D, King D, Lynch J. Whole Person Assessment for Family Medicine: A systematic review. BMJ Open 2023;13:e065961. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065961
    • Best,MC, Vivat B, Gijsberts MJ. 2023. Spiritual Care in Palliative Care. Religions 14: 320. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/rel14030320.
    • Best MC, Jones K, Merritt F, Casey M, Lynch S, Eisman J, Cohen J, Mackie D, Beilharz K, Kearney M. Australian Patient Preferences for discussing Spiritual Issues in the Hospital Setting: An Exploratory Mixed Methods Study. Journal of Religion and Health. 2024; 63(1):238. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-023-01767-x
    • Best M, Jones K, Bradford K, Kearney M. Chaplaincy Perspectives on the Role of Spirituality in Australian Health and Aged Care. Journal of Religion and Health (2023). 62:1473-1490. Doi: 10.1007/s10943-023-01752-4
    • Shaw J, Havard PE, Dhillon HM, Kelly B, Beatty L, Juraskova I, Sharpe L, Beale P, Cigolini M, Chan RJ, Kirsten L, Best M, Butow P. The emotional impact of COVID-19 on Australian cancer patients, their caregivers and Oncology health professionals over time: A longitudinal qualitative study. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology Research and Practice. 4(4):, October-December 2022.
    • Best M. Advancing the place of spiritual care within palliative care. Annals of Palliative Medicine. doi: 10.21037/apm-22-1199. Invited Editorial.
    • Best M, Leget C, Goodhead A, Paal P. Wielodyscyplinarna edukacja w zakresie opieki duchowej w opiece paliatywnej. Biała księga European Association for Palliative Care. Med. Prakt., 2022; 9: 125–140.
    • Bartley, N, Havard, P, Butow, P, Shaw, J; COVID-19 Cancer Stakeholder Authorship Group. Experiences and perspectives of cancer stakeholders regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Asia-Pac J Clin Oncol. 2022; 1- 9. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajco.13808
    • Best M, Jones K, Merritt F, Casey M, Lynch S, Eisman J, Cohen J, Mackie D, Beilharz K, Kearney M. Australian patient preferences for the introduction of spirituality into their healthcare journey: A mixed methods study. JORH. 2022. 62:2323-2340. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-022-01616-3
    • Best M, Bartley N, Napier C, Fisher A, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Goldstein D, Tucker K, Biesecker B, Butow P. Return of comprehensive tumour genomic profiling results to advanced cancer patients: a qualitative study. Supportive Care in Cancer. 2022. 30:8201–8210. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-022-07272-3
    • Jones K, Washington J, Kearney M & Best MC. (2022) What is the role of spiritual care specialists in teaching generalist spiritual care? The perspectives of pastoral care staff in a large Catholic health and aged care organisation., Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy 2023; 29(4):368-380. DOI: 10.1080/08854726.2022.2095779
    • Fopka-Kowalczyk M, Best M, Krajnik M. The Spiritual Supporter Scale as a new tool for assessing spiritual care competencies in professionals: design, validation, and psychometric evaluation. Journal of Religion and Health. 2022; 63:2081-2111.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-022-01608-3
    • Butow P, Napier C, Campbell R, Bartley N, Best M, Ballinger ML. Validation of the Knowledge of Genome Sequencing (KOGS) scale in cancer patients. Patient Education and Counseling 2022;105(10):3110-5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2022.06.009.
    • Umstead, KL, Campbell, R, Napier, CE, et al. Further validation of the Perceptions of Uncertainties in Genome Sequencing scale among patients with cancer undergoing tumor sequencing. Clinical Genetics. 2022; 102(2): 110-116. doi:10.1111/cge.14169
    • Meiser B, Butow P, Davies G,  Napier CE, Schlub T, Bartley N, Juraskova I, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Best MC, and members of the Psychosocial Issues in Genomics in Oncology (PiGeOn) Project.  Psychological predictors of cancer patients’ and their relatives’ attitudes towards return of genomic sequencing results.  European Journal of Medical Genetics. 2022;65(6):104516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmg.2022.104516
    • Best MC, Jones K, Washington J, Sullivan J, Kearney M, Puchalski C. Evaluation of the Interprofessional Spiritual Care Education Curriculum in Australia: online. Palliative & Supportive Care 2022; 1-9. doi:S1478951522000244.
    • Best, M, Napier, C, Schlub, T, Bartley N, Biesecker B, Ballinger M, Butow P. Validation of the multidimensional impact of Cancer Risk Assessment Questionnaire to assess impact of waiting for genome sequencing results.  Psychooncology. 2022; 31(7):1204-1211. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.5908
    • Vatter S, Schlub TE, Napier CE, Best MC, Bartley N, Juraskova I, Meiser B, Ballinger ML, Biesecker BB, Goldstien D, Thomas DM, Butow P, and Members of the PiGeOn Project. Psychological Outcomes in Advanced Cancer Patients After Receiving Genomic Tumour Profiling Results. Health Psychology. 2022: 41(6):396-408. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0001181
    • Best MC, Butow P, Savard J, Jacobs C, Bartley N, Davies G, Napier CE, Ballinger ML, Thomas DM, Biesecker BB, Tucker K, Juraskova I, Meiser B, Schlub T, Newson AJ. Preferences for return of germline genome sequencing results for cancer patients and their genetic relatives in a research setting. European Journal of Human Genetics 2022; 30:930-937. 10.1038/s41431-022-01069-y
    • Butow, PN, Havard PE, Butt AZ, Juraskova I, Sharpe L, Dhillon H, Beatty L, Beale P, Cigolini M, Kelly B, Chan RJ, Kirsten L, Best M, Shaw J. The impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients, their carers and oncology health professionals: A qualitative study. Patient Education and Counseling 2022; 105(7): 2397-2403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2022.01.020
    • Butow P, Best M, Davies G, Schlub T, Napier C, Bartley N, Ballinger M, Juraskova I, Meiser B, Goldstein D, Biesecker B, Thomas DM and members of the PiGeOn Project. Psychological impact of comprehensive tumour genomic profiling results for advanced cancer patients. Patient Education and Counselling 2022; 105(7): 2206-2216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2022.01.011
    • Grove G, Lovell M, Best M. Perspectives of major world religions regarding euthanasia and assisted suicide: A comparative analysis. Journal of Religion and Health. (2022).  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-022-01498-5
    • Szilagyi C, Vandenhoeck A, Best MC, Desjardins CM, Drummond DA, Fitchett G, Harrison S, Haythorn T, Holmes C, Muthert H, Nuzum D, Verhoef JHA, Willander E. Chaplain Leadership During COVID-19: An International Expert Panel. Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling 2022; 76910; 56-65. https://doi.org/10.1177/15423050211067724
    • Wenham, J., Best, M. and Kissane, D.W., AC (2022), Author reply. Intern Med J, 52: 164-164. https://doi.org/10.1111/imj.15646
    • Sobels E, Best M, Chadban S, Pais R. End Stage Kidney Disease Patient Experiences of Renal Supportive Care in an Australian Hospital. JPSM 2021; 63(5):737-746. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.12.024
    • Layson M, Tunks-Leach K, Carey L, Best M. Factors Influencing Military Personnel Utilizing Chaplains: A Literature Scoping Review. Journal of Religion and Health 2022; 61:1155-1182. doi : 10.1007/s10943-021-01477-2.
    • Mascio, R., Best, M., Lynch, S., Phillips, J., & Jones, K. (2021). Factors influencing nurse spiritual care practices at the end of life: A systematic review. Palliative and Supportive Care, 1-19. doi:10.1017/S1478951521001851
    • Meiser B, Butow PN,  Davies G,  Napier CE, Schlub T,  Bartley N, Juraskova I, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Tucker K, Goldstein D, Biesecker BB, Best MC, and members of the Psychosocial Issues in Genomics in Oncology (PiGeOn) Project.  Psychological predictors of advanced cancer patients’ preferences for return of results from comprehensive tumour genomic profiling.  American Journal of Medical Genetics 2022;188(3):725-73. doi: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62563.
    • Thavaneswaran S, Ballinger M, Butow P, Meiser B, Goldstein D, Lin F, Napier C, Thomas D, Best M. The experiences and needs of Australian medical oncologists in integrating comprehensive genomic profiling into clinical care: a nation-wide survey. Oncotarget. 2021 Oct 12;12(21):2169. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.28076
    • Butow P, Müller F, Napier CE, Bartley N, Ballinger ML, Biesecker B, Juraskova I, Meiser B, Schlub TE, Thomas DM, Goldstein D, Best MC; Members of the PiGeOn Project. Longitudinal patterns in fear of cancer progression in patients with rare, advanced cancers undergoing comprehensive tumour genomic profiling. Psychooncology. 2021; 30(11):1920-1929. doi: 10.1002/pon.5764.
    • Napier C, Davies G, Butow P, Schlub T, Best M, Bartley N, Juraskova I, Meiser B, Tucker K, Biesecker B, Thomas D, Ballinger M. Cancer patient knowledge about and behavioral intentions after germline genome sequencing. Patient Education and Counseling. 2021; 105(3):707-718. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2021.07.004
    • Vatter S, Bartley N, Best M, Juraskova I, Jacobs C, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Butow P. Does undertaking genome sequencing prompt actual and planned lifestyle-related behavior change in cancer patients and survivors? A qualitative study. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology Research and Practice. 2021. 3(3):e059. doi: 10.1097/OR9.0000000000000059
    • Wenham J, Best M, Kissane D. Systematic Review of Medical Education on Spirituality. Internal Medicine Journal. 2021. 51(11):1781-1790. https://doi.org/10.1111/imj.15421
    • Jones KF, Washington J, Kearney M, Kissane D, Best M. Australian perspectives on spiritual care training in healthcare: A Delphi study. Palliative and Supportive Care. 2021; 19(6): 686-693. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951521001024
    • Bartley N, Davies G, Butow P, Napier C, Schlub T, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Juraskova I, Meiser B, Best M. Fear of cancer recurrence in patients undergoing germline genome sequencing. Supportive Care in Cancer. 2021; 29:7289-7297. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-021-06311-9
    • Butow P, Davies G, Napier CE, Bartley N, Ballinger ML, Biesecker B, Juraskova I, Meiser B, Schlub T, Thomas DM, Goldstein D, Best MC. Value of whole genome sequencing to cancer patients and their first-degree relatives participating in a genomic sequencing study. Journal of Genetic Counseling 2022; 31:96-108.    https://doi.org/10.1002/jgc4.1455
    • Bartley N, Best MC, Biesecker BB, Fisher A, Goldstein D, Meiser B, Thomas DM, Ballinger ML, Butow P. Effectively communicating comprehensive tumor genomic profiling results: Mitigating uncertainty for advanced cancer patients. Patient Education and Counselling. 2021; 105(2):452-459. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2021.05.018
    • Grove G, Hughes I, Lovell M, Best M. A content analysis of Euthanasia Polls in Australia and New Zealand – words do matter. Internal Medicine Journal 2021; 51(10):1629-1635. doi: 10.1111/imj.15377
    • Best M, Weerakoon P. The Experience of Gender Incongruity in the Christian Church: a qualitative study. Journal of Religion and Health. 2021; 60(6):4029-44. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-021-01281-y
    • Meiser B, Woodward P, Gleeson M, Kentwell M, Mar Fan H, Antill Y, Butow PN, Boyle F, Best M, Taylor N, Bell K, Tucker K.  Pilot study of an online training intervention to increase genetic literacy and communication skills in oncology healthcare professionals discussing BRCA1/2 genetic testing with breast and ovarian cancer patients.  Familial Cancer. 2022; 21:157-166. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10689-021-00261-1
    • Bartley N, Napier CE, Butt Z, Schlub TE, Best MC, Biesecker BB, et al. Cancer Patient Experience of Uncertainty While Waiting for Genome Sequencing Results. Frontiers in Psychology 2021;12(1338). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647502
    • Jones KF, Paal P, Symonds X, Best MC. The content, teaching methods and effectiveness of spiritual care training for healthcare professionals: A mixed-methods systematic review.
      Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2021; 62(3):e261-278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.03.013
    • Bartley N, Best M, Butow, P. Pursuing genome sequencing to reduce illness uncertainty may involve additional uncertainties for cancer patients: A mixed methods study. Journal of Genetic Counseling. 2021; 30(4):1143-1155. https://doi.org/10.1002/jgc4.1398
    • Best M, Rajaee G, Vandenhoeck A. A long way to go understanding the role of chaplaincy? A critical reflection on the findings of the survey examining chaplaincy responses to Covid-19. Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling. 2021. 75(1):46-48. doi.org/10.1177/1542305021992002
    • Sansom-Daly UM, Lobb EA, Evans HE, Breen LJ, Ugalde A, Best M, Zomerdijk N, Beasley EA, Taylor K, Clayton J, Sharpe L, Bartula I, Olver I, on behalf of the PoCoG End of Life Care Special Interest Group. To be mortal is human: professional consensus around the need for more psychology in palliative care. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care 2021; 11:401-403. doi: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-002884
    • Smith-Uffen M, Bartley N, Davies G, Best M. Motivations and barriers to pursue cancer genomic testing: a systematic review. Patient Education and Counseling 2021; 104(6):1325-1334. DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.12.024. PMID: 33390305.
    • Jones K, Washington J, Kearney M, Best MC. Responding to the “unknown assailant”: A qualitative exploration with Australian health and aged care chaplains on the impact of COVID-19.  Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy 2022; 28(3):295-309. doi: 10.1080/08854726.2020.1861536. PMID: 33369532.
    • Best M, Washington J, Condello M, Kearney M. ‘This ward has no ears’: Role of the pastoral care practitioner in the hospital ward. Journal of Health Care Chaplaincy. 2020; 28(2):179-193. https://doi.org/10.1080/08854726.2020.1814089.
    • Butow P, Davies G, Napier CE, Schlub T, Best MC, Bartley N, Juraskova I, Meiser B, Ballinger ML, Biesecker BB, Goldstein D, Thomas DM, and members of the PiGeOn Project. (2020). Assessment of the Value of Tumor Variation Profiling Perceived by Patients with Cancer. JAMA Network Open 2020;3(5):e204721. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.4721. PMID: 32407502.
    • Best M, Butow P, Jacobs C, Juraskova I, Savard J, Meiser B, Goldstein D, Ballinger M, Bartley N, Davies G, Thomas D, Tucker K, Schlub T, Newson A. (2020) Advanced cancer patient preferences for return of molecular profiling results. Psycho-Oncology. 29(10):1533-1539. doi.org/10.1002/pon.5446. PMID: 32544291.
    • Davies G, Butow P, Napier CE, Bartley, N, Juraskova I, Meiser B, Ballinger ML, Thomas DM, Schlub TE, Best M. 2020. Advanced cancer patient knowledge of and attitudes towards tumor molecular profiling. Translational Oncology. 2020; 13(9):100799. doi.org/10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100799. PMID: 32450551.
    • Smit A, Bartley N, Best M, Napier C, Butow P, Newson AJ, Tucker K, Ballinger ML, Thomas DM, Jacobs C, Meiser B, Goldstein D, Savard J, Juraskova I, and the PiGeOn authorship group. Family communication about genomic sequencing: a qualitative study with cancer patients and relatives. Patient Education and Counseling 2021; 104(5): 944-952. DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.10.022.
    • Bartley N, Napier C, Best M, Butow P. (2020). Patient experience of uncertainty in cancer genomics: a systematic review. Genetics in Medicine. 22(9):1450-60. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41436-020-0829-y. PMID: 32424175.
    • Thomas H, Best M, Mitchell G. (2020). Whole-Person Care in General Practice: factors affecting the provision of whole-person care. AJGP. 49(4):215-220.
    • Thomas H, Best M, Mitchell G. (2020). Whole-Person Care in General Practice: the doctor-patient relationship. AJGP. 49(3): 139-144. doi: 10.31128/AJGP-05-19-49502.
    • Thomas H, Best M, Mitchell G. (2020). Whole-Person Care in General Practice: the nature of whole-person care. AJGP. 49(1-2):54-60.
    • Best MC, Davies G, Napier CE, Bartley N, Juraskova I, Meiser B, Ballinger ML, Thomas DM, Schlub TE, Butow P. (2019). Exploring knowledge and attitudes in cancer tumour genomic profiling. Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology, 15:194-5. DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13267. PMID: 31674116.
    • Thavaneswaran S, Napier C, Goldstein D, Meiser B, Butow P, Thomas DM, Ballinger M, Best M. Medical oncologists’ experience with returning molecular tumor profiling to patients. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2019;37(15_suppl):10521. 101.1200?JCO.2019.37.15_suppl.10521.
    • Thomas H, Best M, Mitchell G. (2019) Delivering whole person care in general practice: what makes a difference? Australian Journal of Primary Health. 25(3):L1.
    • Bartley N, Best M, Jacobs C, Juraskova I, Newson AJ, Savard J, Meiser B, Ballinger ML, Thomas DM, Biesecker BB, Butow P, and members of the PiGeOn Project. (2020). Cancer patients’ views and understanding of genome sequencing: a qualitative study. Journal of Medical Genetics. (2020). 57(10):671-676. doi.org/10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106410. PMID: 31980566.
    • Best M, Leget C, Goodhead A, Paal P. P. An EAPC White Paper on multi-disciplinary education for spiritual care in palliative care. (2020). BMC Palliative Care, 19(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-019-0508-4
    • Best M, Butow P, Jacobs C, Savard J, Biesecker BB, Ballinger M, Bartley N, Napier CE, Smit AK, Thomas D, Newson A. Who should access Germline Genome Sequencing? A mixed methods study of patient views. (2020). Clinical Genetics. 97(2):329-337. https://doi.org/10.1111/cge.13664. PMID: 31674008.

  • In the media

    Recent general publications

    • Best M. Best practices in spiritual care provided by health care workers. 2024. Proceedings from Polish Spirituality in Medicine Conference 2022. Available at https://www.mp.pl/konferencja-opiekaduchowa/2022/informacje/
    • Layson M, Carey LB, Best MC. Now more than ever: “Fit for Purpose.” Australian Army Chaplaincy Journal, 2023:11-23.
    • Best M. The history of death denial. Zadok Papers. S266 Autumn 2023: 2-4.
    • Best M. COVID vaccination and the church. The Gospel Coalition Australian Edition, published online 18/9/ 2021.
    • Best M. Palliative Care: Getting the most out of life. Meaningful Ageing Newsletter, September 2021.
    • Best M. Palliative care and the art of dying well. The Gospel Coalition Australian Edition, published online 26/5/2021.
    • Best M. Beauty – at what cost? CASE quarterly 60, March 22 2021.
    • Best M. (2020). Revisiting the 14-day rule. CASE quarterly 58.
    • Best M. The Beijing Declaration 25 years on. The Gospel Coalition Australian Edition, published online 15/9/2020.
    • Best M. Does acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine represent endorsement of abortion? The Gospel Coalition Australian Edition, published online 31/8/2020. https://au.thegospelcoalition.org/article/does-acceptance-of-a-covid-19-vaccine-represent-endorsement-of-abortion/

  • Professional affiliations

    Committee Memberships

    • 2020 - Board Member, Defence Force Board
    • 2020 - Director, Ethicentre
    • 2020 - Member, Joint Research Council
    • 2018 - Board Member, Spiritual Care Australia
    • 2015 - Member of the Executive, Spiritual Care Task Force, European Association of Palliative Care

    Current Society Memberships

    • Institute for Ethics and Society, University of Notre Dame Australia
    • Global Network of Spirituality and Health
    • Australian Association of Bioethics and Health Law
    • Palliative Care Clinical Studies Collaborative
    • Psycho-Oncology Cooperative Research Group
    • Australia New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine
    • The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, Trinity International University, Chicago
    • Plunkett Centre for Ethics, St Vincents Hospital, Darlinghurst, Sydney
    • Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship Australia

  • Community engagement

    Invited Speaker (recent)

    • Bioethics at the Beginning and End of Life, Moral Injury and Spiritual Care. Keynote for CMF New Zealand, University of Otago, and Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics, New Zealand, May 2025.
    • Partnering in Paediatric Palliative Care. 21st Annual Sydney Children’s Hospital Netwrok Paediatric Palliative Care Symposium, March 2025. Keynote speaker.
    • Introduction to Christian Bioethics. The Download Conference, Coolum Queensland January 2025.
    • Living with Voluntary Assisted Dying. CMDFA Seminar August 2024.
    • Teaching spiritual history taking to medical students: learning from the experts. European Conference on religion, spirituality and health. May 2024, Salzburg.
    • Australian Patient Views on Discussing Spirituality during Hospitalisation. Researchers in Spirituality Forum. 21 March 2024.
    • Responding to Spiritual Distress. Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine Webinar series, 4 March 2024.
    • More than the $um of my parts: Ownership of genomic samples and information. Australian ELSI (Ethics, Law and Social Issues) Genomics Network, November 2, 2023.
    • Spiritual care: perspectives and guidance. ANZSPM Medical and Surgical Update. Melbourne, November 2023. Session chair.
    • Spiritual care in palliative care. European Association of Palliative Care Spiritual Care Reference Group Seminar. Online, 30 November 2023.
    • Suffering – What we know about it and what can we do about it. Nepean Blue Mountains 32nd Annual Supportive and Palliative Care Conference. Sydney Australia, August 2023. Keynote speaker.
    • Denial of Death. Ethos. Zadok Zoom online panel, 18 May 2023.
    • Dignity in Palliative Care. Hospice New Zealand Seminar Series. 4 May 2023, online.
    • Spiritual Care at the End of Life. ANZSPM webinar. Online 29 March 2023.
    • Keynote speaker, UnitingCare Queensland Chaplain’s Conference, 24-25 March 2023, Brisbane.
    • Introduction to spirituality and spiritual care in medicine. Spirituality in Medicine Virtual Conference, Polish Association for Spiritual Care in Medicine.  6–16 December 2022.
    • Best practice of spiritual care in Palliative Care. Spirituality in Medicine Virtual Conference, Polish Association for Spiritual Care in Medicine.  6–16 December 2022.
    • Bioethical Futures: Challenges for Christians. COSAC 2022: Christian Living in a Techno-Scientific World. Melbourne, Australia and online, 25-26 November 2022.
    • Bioethics in the Christian Social Vision. Kategoria Conference, Murrumbateman Australia, 17-18 October 2022.
    • Faithfully preaching bioethics. Morling College Preaching Conference, Sydney Australia, 27-28 June 2022.
    • Spiritual care in physician’s everyday practice. 2nd McMaster International Review Course in Internal Medicine en América Latina (MIRCIM 2021 América Latina); Precongreso de la Sociedad Argentina de Medicina. Online, November 29–December 3, 2021.
    • Implications of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill (NSW) 2021. Discussion Forum, NSW Parliament House, 8 November 2021.
    • Spiritual Care: The Connective Tissue of Health Care. Spiritual Care Australia Online Webinar, Spiritual Care Week, 25 October 2021.
    • Euthanasia. The Pastor’s Heart webcast, 30 August 2021, online.
    • Ethics of Assisted Reproductive Therapies. ICMDA webinar series, online, August 2021.
    • Ethics of Euthanasia. Australian & New Zealand Association of Theological Schools annual conference Keynote. July 2021, online.
    • Legalising mitochondrial donation in Australia. Discussion Forum, Australian Parliament House Canberra, 17 June 2021, Canberra ACT Australia.
    • Spiritual care in physician’s everyday practice. 6th McMaster International Review Course in Internal Medicine, online May 11–June 17, 2021. Plenary.
    • Facing infertility. Centre for Christian Living, Moore College, 21 October, 2020.
    • Turning your work into research. Can you prove it? 3rd Annual Spiritual Care Research Intensive, 27 July 2020, online.
    • Spiritual care in the hospital. 11th World Research Congress EAPC, October 2020, online.

  • Awards

    Recent Grants and Scholarships (selection)

    • 2024 - Emerging Leaders’ Fellowship Scholarship. Women’s Health Research Translation Network, Australian Health Research Alliance
    • 2023 Thomas H, Sturman N, Best M, Brautigam M, Wade T, Kimber T. Eating Disorders and Christian Spirituality: An Exploratory and Co-design Approach to Prevention, Whole Person Care and Recovery. John Templeton Foundation. $614,865.
    • 2023 Broom A, Kenny K, Ehlers N. (Advisory Panel: Good P, Clayton J, Phillip J, Best M). The Social Life of Death. ARC Discovery Grant. $644, 774.
    • 2020 Best M, Jones K, Pryor J. Team-based Industry-linked Research training Program Stipend Scholarship for a PhD student at UNDA in partnership with Royal Rehab Hospital, Sydney, Resilience after spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. $90,000.
    • 2019 Best M, Kissane D, Lynch S, Pierdziwol A, Symons X, Kearney M, Washington J, McDonald L, Geoghegan J. Industry-linked Team-based Early Career Researcher Fellowship, Developing Spiritual Care Training for Hospital Staff, The University of Notre Dame and St Vincents Health Australia., $185,000.
    • 2017 Best M. Spiritual care in healthcare. St Vincent’s Healthcare. $22,500.
    • 2016 Best M. Cancer Institute New South Wales Early Career Researcher Fellowship  Grant.  Overcoming psychosocial and ethical issues in cancer genomics: Translating test results into behavioural change. $564,666.
    • 2016 Butow P, Newson A, Best M, Meiser B, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Tucker K, Ballinger M, Gatto D, Schlub T. NHMRC Project Grant. Cancer genomics; Psychosocial, behavioural and ethical issues and outcomes, two inter-related longitudinal studies. Awarded $506,654.30 from Jan 2017 for three years.