DrPat McConville

I am a philosopher and bioethicist. I have broad interests in continental philosophy, phenomenology (especially in the tradition of Maurice Merleau-Ponty), philosophy of medicine and bioethics, and non-clinical aspects of cardiology. I believe that deep reflection on ideas can enrich and help us make sense of our lives.

I mostly undertake research in phenomenology of health and illness, particularly applications of phenomenology to healthcare, and have a keen interest in cardiac experience and heart-related medical interventions. Some of my research interests are informed by my own lived experience as a single ventricle heart disease patient, about which I have written and published.

I have taught into a number of subjects in philosophy, bioethics, nursing, and medicine at Deakin and other universities. I am part of the Ethics, Law, and Professional team in the School of Medicine, and teach into the Medical Doctor course. I previously Chaired the undergraduate unit HMM105 Applied Ethics and the postgraduate unit HME711 Health Law and Ethics.

I host the podcast Concept : Art, featuring interviews with philosophers about the influence of art on their scholarly work. Concept : Art is available on major podcast platforms or on the website: www.conceptart.fm

Prior to working in academia, I worked in politics and the trade union movement.