People In Health Care
Dr Marina Berbic
Genetic Pathologist and Deputy Director of Genetics
Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology
Dr Marina Berbic is a genetic pathologist and the Deputy Director of Genetics at Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology – a laboratory based in Sydney and part of Sonic Healthcare. The genetics department at Douglass Hanly Moir offers a wider array of genetic tests across many domains, and the medical leadership model ensures the highest possible standard of care and commitment to patient safety.
Australian Health Journal spoke to Dr Berbic about her career and being a genetic pathologist. She started as a junior doctor in obstetrics and gynaecology after completing a medical degree, though never thought about specialising in pathology. The more she learned about genetic pathology, the more intrigued she became, realising that this specialty aligned with both her strengths and interests.
Dr Berbic has always been interested in science, technology, and innovation. She first studied for a Bachelor of Medical Science degree, followed by a Master’s in Reproductive Health and Human Genetics and then a PhD in Reproductive Medicine. Dr Berbic has long-standing academic interests, both from a research and teaching perspective. She continues to be involved in medical education at the University of New South Wales in her role as an Adjunct Senior Lecturer.
After completing her specialist training and attaining fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, she commenced her role as a genetic pathologist at Douglass Hanly Moir and later became the Deputy Director of Genetics department. Her role involves providing clinical governance and medical leadership that governs all aspects of medical testing in genetics.
In this interview, Dr Berbic talks about the exciting area of genetic pathology impacting multiple areas of medicine including paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, cardiology, neurology, oncology, and other fields.
The results of genetic testing have a potential impact on the patient’s diagnosis, the decisions that couples may take when they’re making reproductive decisions, and also have predictive implications. The testing results may influence therapy, selection, or patient management and may have far ranging impact on the individual as well as their family.
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World first in rural and remote nursing
In March 2023, the Australian Government released the National Rural and Remote Nursing Generalist Framework 2023–2027. The Framework is a world first and describes the unique context of practice and core capabilities for rural and remote Registered Nurses in Australia.
The Framework was developed by the Office of the National Rural Health Commissioner and Australian Health Journal spoke with National Rural Health Commissioner, Adjunct Professor Ruth Stewart, and Deputy National Rural Health Commissioner – Nursing and Midwifery, Adjunct Professor Shelley Nowlan, on the importance of rural and remote nursing and of the Framework itself.
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Confronting picture of growing women’s health crisis in uterine cancers
Uterine cancers have become Australia’s fastest-growing women’s cancer, with incidence doubling over the past 25 years and projected to continue to surge. Without immediate action, more than 44,000 women are expected to be diagnosed by 2035, and 8,900 will lose their lives to the disease.
Released November 2025, Australia’s first State of the Nation: Uterine Cancers in Australia 2025 report by the Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG), reveals a confronting picture of a growing women’s health crisis that has gone largely unseen and one that now requires immediate, coordinated national action.
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Clinical entrepreneur addresses needle-phobia
Australian entrepreneur, Lauren Barber, turned her nursing background into the role of an inventor and launched a medical device into the Australian healthcare industry.
No journey is linear for an entrepreneur, but Lauren has travelled considerable distance from a nursing student to a successful entrepreneur illustration her determination and passion to help those with needle phobias. Lauren’s work with NeedleCalm is making a positive impact in the healthcare industry and improving the experiences of patients and clinicians alike.
