Richard Egan

Richard Egan, an Associate Professor in the Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, is a co-director of the Social and Behavioural Research Unit and former director of the Cancer Society Research Collaboration. He has a diverse background that includes five years of experience as a mental health promoter in a Public Health Unit and five years of secondary school teaching. With qualifications in theology, English literature, religious studies, and public health, Richard's research primarily focuses on qualitative research in the areas of health promotion, supportive care in cancer, and spirituality in healthcare, using mixed methods research. He has published over 65 peer-reviewed papers and completed a Master's thesis on spirituality in New Zealand state schools and a PhD thesis on spirituality in end-of-life care.

Richard has served as a past-president of the New Zealand Public Health Association and past Vice-Chair on the Board of the Health Promotion Forum of New Zealand. He is also an Honorary Research Consultant for Meaningful Aging Australia and a member of the Global Network for Spirituality & Health. Additionally, he collaborates with Hospice NZ on spirituality matters.

From a more personal point of view, I am the co-lead in this project focused on integrating spiritual care into healthcare. To provide some context for my perspective and approach, I’d like to share a bit about my background, as it shapes my contributions to this work. I am a Pākehā New Zealander, Tangata Tiriti, with family roots in Ireland dating back to the mid-1800s. I was raised a Catholic. While my path has led me to identify myself as spiritual but not religious, I continue to respect and acknowledge my Catholic heritage. I believe that every individual has a spiritual dimension, which is about connection, and as humans, we grapple with questions about how to live meaningfully, act with kindness and compassion, and contribute positively to the planet. I share this background to offer insight into my perspectives, but also to note that I believe imposing one's beliefs on others is not appropriate. For further information, see my academic profile.