Dr Jan Wallace has been a pioneering force in Antarctic medicine, with a career spanning over 40 years as a general practitioner, remote medicine specialist, educator, and mentor.

She has served across all Australian Antarctic stations, Macquarie Island, and aboard key Antarctic vessels, providing medical care in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Her roles have included not only direct clinical care but also leadership in medical evacuations, research, education, and support for both expeditioners and fellow medical practitioners.

Throughout her numerous Antarctic deployments across both summer and winter seasons, Dr Wallace has demonstrated exceptional skill and calm under pressure, saving lives through complex medical interventions including remote surgery and critical evacuations.

As a mentor and supervisor, she has guided generations of Antarctic medical practitioners and inspired many, including future doctors and women in medicine, to pursue careers in remote and expeditionary healthcare.