Dr Megan Best


Research Associate

PhD MAAE BMed (Hons) GradDipQHR ClinDipPM ATh

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 also holds the position of Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney. 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, the topic of her PhD, existential suffering, psycho-oncology, whole person care and ethics at the beginning and end of life. She has a long-term commitment to evidence-based health policy development.

    Associate Professor Best has an extensive career of publications with hundreds of citations, publishing 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 has influenced 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
    • Communication at the end of life
    • Psychosocial impact of genetics and genomics

  • Research expertise and supervision

    • Bioethics and Healthcare Ethics
    • Spirituality in healthcare
    • Existential suffering
    • Psycho-Oncology
    • Euthanasia
    • Whole Person Care
    • End of life
    • Genomics in palliative care

  • Books

    • Best M. (2011). Challenging Euthanasia. Chapter in: Smart S. (Ed.). Public Christianity. North Sydney: Centre for Public Christianity, pp.75-80. ISBN: 978-0-9871067-0-4.
    • Best M. (2008). Stem cell research and cloning. Chapter in: Brammall A. (Ed.). 21st century living…1st century wisdom. Croydon: SMBC Press, pp. 1-22

  • Book chapters

    • 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.
    • Best M. (2011). Challenging Euthanasia. Chapter in: Smart S. (Ed.). Public Christianity. North Sydney: Centre for Public Christianity, pp.75-80. ISBN: 978-0-9871067-0-4.
    • Best M. (2008). Stem cell research and cloning. Chapter in: Brammall A. (Ed.). 21st century living…1st century wisdom. Croydon: SMBC Press, pp. 1-22

  • Recent Journal articles and proceedings

    Journal articles

    • Jones K, Paal P, Symonds X, Best M. The content, teaching methods and effectiveness of spiritual care training for healthcare professionals: A mixed-methods systematic review.
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. Accepted for publication 16 March 2021.
    • 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. (in press)
    • 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, U.M., Lobb, E.A., Evans, H.E., Breen, L.J., Ugalde, A., Best, M., Zomerdijk, N., Beasley, E.A, Taylor, K., Clayton, J., Sharpe, L., Bartula, I., and 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, Published online 4 March, 2021. doi: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-002884
    • Smith-Uffen M, Bartley N, Davies G, Best M. Patient motivations to pursue cancer genomic testing: a systematic review. Patient Education and Counseling. 2020-12-25. 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. 2020 Dec 28:1-15. doi: 10.1080/08854726.2020.1861536. Epub ahead of print. 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. 2020:1-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/08854726.2020.1814089.
    • Butow P, Davies G, Napier CE, et al. (2020). Assessment of the Value of Tumor Variation Profiling Perceived by Patients with Cancer. JAMA Netw 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. PEC. 2020-10-20. 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. Professional Education in Spiritual Care in Palliative Care: An EAPC White Paper. (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.
    • Thomas H, Best M, Mitchell G. (2019) Health Care Homes and Whole Person Care: A Qualitative Study of
    • Best, M., Sleasman, M., Hegedus, E., & Schlub, T. E. (2019). Protestant Christian attitudes to ART. Human Reproduction Open, 2019(3). doi:10.1093/hropen/hoz018
    • Best M, McArdle MB, Huang YJ, Clayton J, Butow P. (2019) How and how much is Spirituality discussed in palliative care consultations for advanced cancer patients with and without a question prompt list? Patient Education and Counselling. 102(12), 2208-2213. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2019.06.016.
    • Best M, Bartley N, Jacobs C, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Newson A, Savard J, Meiser B, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Bieseker B, Butow P, and members of the PiGeOn Project. (2019). Patient perspectives on molecular tumour profiling: ‘Why wouldn’t you?’ BMC Cancer. 19(1), 753. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-019-5920-x. PMID: 31366375.
    • Smit AK, Newson AJ, Keogh L, Best M, Dunlop K, Vuong K, Kirk J, Butow P, Trevena L, Cust AE. (2019) General practitioner attitudes and expectations for providing personal genomic risk information to the public: a qualitative study. BJGP Open. 3 (1): bjgpopen18X101633. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgpopen18X101633. PMID: 3104941

    Reports

    • Thomas J, Burke M, Mercer P, Best M. (2015) A Christian perspective on prenatal screening and diagnosis in Australia. Sydney: CMDFA.
    • Errington A, Best M. (2014). Submission for the Inquiry into the Medical Services (Dying with Dignity) Bill 2014. Office of the Archbishop, Anglican Church, Diocese of Sydney.
    • Aldridge L, Best M, Butow P, Price M, Zorbas H, Webster F, Olver I (2012) Suffering in Cancer-Conceptualization, Assessment and Interventions. Sydney: Cancer Australia.
    • Best M, Cooper-Clark D. (2012) Christian conscience in healthcare. Sydney: CMDFA. ISBN: 978-0-9871184-1-7.
    • Best M. (2011). Submission for the Review of the Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction (PHCR) Act 2002 and the Research Involving Human Embryos (RIHE) Act 2002. Social Issues Executive of the Sydney Diocese Anglican Church.
    • Cooper-Clark D, Best M, Burke M, Dunjey L, George K, Mercer P. (2011) A response to euthanasia in Australia. Sydney: CMDFA. OSBN: 978-0-9871184-1-7.
    • Best M. (2009). Submission to the Australian Medical Council for Good Medical Practice: A Code of Conduct for Doctors in Australia. Social Issues Executive of the Sydney Diocese Anglican Church.
    • Submission to Review of Human Cloning and Human Embryo Research Legislation (2005) LRC780. Anglican Church of Australia, Sydney Diocese.
    • Best M. (2004). Designer Humans. The 2004 Smith Lecture.
    • Consent guidelines for Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002. (2003) National Health and Research Council Licensing Committee.
    • Development and Pilot of the NSW Palliative Care Minimum Data Set, NSW Health Department, 1995.

    Contributions to clinical guidelines

    • Cancer Australia. Clinical guidance for responding to suffering in adults with cancer, June 2014.
    • Cancer Council NSW. Emotions and Cancer: A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends. April 2013.

  • Recent Conference papers

    Conference oral presentations

    • Best M, Bartley N, Jacobs C, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Newson A, Savard J, Meiser B, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Biesecker B, Butow P, and members of the PiGeOn Project. Fear of cancer recurrence and uncertainty in patient undergoing whole genome sequencing.  Joint Meeting of HEBON-IMPAHC-VKGN in The Netherlands, November 2019.
    • Thomas H, Best M, Mitchell G. Delivering whole person care in general practice: what makes a difference?. AAAPC Annual Research Conference, Adelaide 2019, Adelaide, SA Australia, 12-13 July 2019.
    • Best M, Bartley N, Jacobs C, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Newson A, Savard J, Meiser B, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Bieseker B, Butow P, and members of the PiGeOn Project. Cancer patient knowledge and attitudes towards germline genome sequencing.  Joint Meeting of HEBON-IMPAHC-VKGN in The Netherlands, November 2019.
    • Best M, Bartley N, Jacobs C, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Newson A, Savard J, Meiser B, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Bieseker B, Butow P, and members of the PiGeOn Project. Cancer patient knowledge and attitudes towards germline genome sequencing. KConFab 2019, Kingscliff Australia, August 2019.
    • Best M, Bartley N, Jacobs C, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Newson A, Savard J, Meiser B, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Bieseker B, Butow P, and members of the PiGeOn Project. Patient preferences for the return of genomic results. 17th Interdisciplinary Conference on communication, edicine and ethics (COMET). Adelaide June 2019.
    • Best M, Bartley N, Jacobs C, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Newson A, Savard J, Meiser B, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Bieseker B, Butow P, and members of the PiGeOn Project. Patient perspectives on molecular tumour profiling. European Conference of Human Genetics Annual Conference 2019, Gothenburg Sweden, June 2019.
    • Thomas H, Best J, Mitchell G, Best M. The Definition of Whole Person Care in General Practice. GP18 conference, Gold Coast, October 2018.
    • Best M, Butow P, Olver I. Comparing palliative care and supportive care specialist beliefs about spiritual care. ANZSPM 2018. Sydney, September 2018.
    • Morrow A, Jacobs C, Best M, Greening S, Tucker K. Genetics in palliative oncology: a missing agenda? A review of the literature and future directions. ANZSPM 2018, Sydney, September 2018.
    • Morrow A, Jacobs C, Best M, Greening S, Tucker K. Genetics in palliative oncology: a missing agenda? A review of the literature and future directions. European Association of Communication in Healthcare, Portugal, September 2018.
    • Best M, Best M, Newson AJ, Meiser B, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Tucker K, Ballinger M, Hess D, Schlub T, Biesecker B, Vines R, Vines K, Thomas D, Young MA, Savard J, Jacobs C, Butow P. Young cancer patient perspectives on undertaking whole genome sequencing: A qualitative study. KConFab FAC/FCC meeting, Kingscliff, September 2018.
    • Best M, Best M, Newson AJ, Meiser B, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Tucker K, Ballinger M, Hess D, Schlub T, Biesecker B, Vines R, Vines K, Thomas D, Young MA, Savard J, Jacobs C, Butow P. Young cancer patient perspectives on undertaking whole genome sequencing: A qualitative study. European Association of Communication in Healthcare, Portugal, September 2018.
    • Best M, Newson AJ, Meiser B, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Tucker K, Ballinger M, Hess D, Schlub T, Biesecker B, Vines R, Vines K, Thomas D, Young MA, Savard J, Jacobs C, Butow P. (2018) The PiGeOn Project: protocol for a longitudinal study examining psychosocial and ethical issues and outcomes in cancer tumour genomic profiling. European Association of Communication in Healthcare, Portugal, September 2018.
    • Best M, Best M, Newson AJ, Meiser B, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Tucker K, Ballinger M, Hess D, Schlub T, Biesecker B, Vines R, Vines K, Thomas D, Young MA, Savard J, Jacobs C, Butow P. Young cancer patient perspectives on undertaking whole genome sequencing: A qualitative study. Sydney Catalyst Postgraduate and Early Career Researcher Symposium, Sydney 2 May 2018.
    • Best M. Addressing spiritual needs: the optional extra in Australian healthcare? Spiritual Care Australia Consensus Conference. Melbourne, July 2017.
    • Best M. Euthanasia. CMDFA National Conference, Brisbane July 2017.
    • Best M, Butow P, Olver I. Why is it so hard to discuss spirituality? 15th World Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care. Madrid, Spain 18-20 May 2017.
    • Best M, Butow P, Olver I. Creating a safe space: A qualitative inquiry into the way doctors discuss spirituality. European Association of Communication in Healthcare conference, Heidelberg Germany September 2016.
    • Best M, Butow P, Olver I. Comparing palliative care and supportive care specialist beliefs about spiritual care. MASCC International Conference, Adelaide Australia June 2016.
    • Best M, Butow P, Olver I. Helping dying patients with cancer find peace: a qualitative study examining the role of the doctor. MASCC International Conference, Adelaide Australia June 2016.
    • Best M, Butow P, Olver I. Creating a safe space: a qualitative study of spiritual discussions. Inaugural International Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Congress, Sydney, December 2015.
    • Best M, Butow P, Olver I. Do cancer patients want spiritual care from their doctors? ANZSPM national conference, Gold Coast, 2014.
    • Best M, Aldridge L, Butow P, Olver I, Webster F (2014) Conceptual Analysis of Suffering in Cancer: a systematic review. ANZSPM national conference, Gold Coast, 2014.
    • Bridge D, Ravenscroft P, Best M. Spirituality workshop. ANZSPM national conference, Gold Coast, 2014.
    • Best M. (2014). Brave new world: choosing life’s end in the new millennium. American Scientific Association annual conference, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada. Published online.
    • Best M, Butow P, Olver I. Do patients want doctors to talk about spirituality? A literature review. Postgraduate cancer research symposium, University of Sydney, November 2013.
    • Best M, Aldridge L, Butow P, Olver I, Webster F. Conceptual Analysis of Suffering in Cancer: a systematic review. International PsychoOncology Society meeting, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. November 2013.
    • Best M, Butow P, Olver I. Spiritual support of cancer patients and the role of the doctor. International PsychoOncology Society meeting, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. November 2013.Best M. A life already started. Fervr National Conference, Rooty Hill. November 2013.
    • Best M. Dementia: what happens to autonomy? HammondCare Conference: International Dementia Partnership of The Dementia Centre and The Dementia Services Development Centre (University of Stirling, UK), Sydney, 2012.
    • Best M, Butow P, Olver I. (2012) Identification of the spiritual needs of patients and the role of doctors in meeting them. Postgraduate cancer research symposium, University of Sydney, November 2012.
    • Aldridge L, Best M, Butow P, Olver I, Price M. Suffering in cancer – conceptualization, assessment and interventions. A systematic literature review. Cancer Australia, Sydney 2012.

      • Conference poster presentations

    • Butow P, Davies G, Napier C, Bartley N, Ballinger M, Biesecker B, Juraskova I, Meiser B, Schlub T, Thomas D, Goldstien D, Best M. How much do cancer patients value whole genome sequencing? A cross-sectional survey using the willingness-to-pay technique. ESHG 2020.2, June 2020, online.
    • Best M, Bartley N, Jacobs C, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Newson A, Savard J, Meiser B, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Bieseker B, Butow P, and members of the PiGeOn Project. Psychological  impact of return of Molecular Tumor Profiling results to advanced cancer patients. ASCO20 Virtual Scientifi Conference, May 2020, online.
    • Thomas H, Best M, Chua D, Lynch J. Clinical Approaches to Whole Person Assessment: A Systematic Review. AAAPC 2020 Annual Research Conference, August 2020, online.
    • Best M, Bartley N, Jacobs C, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Newson A, Savard J, Meiser B, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Bieseker B, Butow P, and members of the PiGeOn Project. Family communication about genomic testing: a qualitative study. Joint Meeting of HEBON-IMPAHC-VKGN in The Netherlands, November 2019.
    • Best M, Bartley N, Jacobs C, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Newson A, Savard J, Meiser B, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Bieseker B, Butow P, and members of the PiGeOn Project. Uncertainty experienced by patients undertaking cancer genomic testing: systematic review. Joint Meeting of HEBON-IMPAHC-VKGN in The Netherlands, November 2019.
    • Best M, Bartley N, Jacobs C, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Newson A, Savard J, Meiser B, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Bieseker B, Butow P, and members of the PiGeOn Project. Cancer patient uncertainty when pursuing whole genome sequencing: a qualitative study. Joint Meeting of HEBON-IMPAHC-VKGN in The Netherlands, November 2019.
    • Who should access Germline Genome Sequencing? A mixed methods study of patient views. Sydney Catalyst International Translational Cancer Research Symposium, 19 September 2019, Sydney.
    • Patient preferences for receiving genomic test results. Sydney Catalyst International Translational Cancer Research Symposium, 19 September 2019, Sydney.
    • Best, M. C., Bartley, N., Jacobs, C., Juraskova, I., Goldstein, D., Newson, A. J., . . . Members of the PiGeOn, P. (2019). Patient perspectives on molecular tumor profiling: “Why wouldn’t you?”. BMC Cancer, 19(1), 753. Sydney Catalyst International Translational Cancer Research Symposium, 19 September 2019, Sydney.
    • Best M,McArdle MB, Huang YJ,Clayton J, Butow P.How is Spirituality discussed in palliative care consultations with and without a question prompt list? Oceanic Palliative Care Conference 2019, Perth September 2019.
    • Best M, Butow P, Bartley N, Napier C, Smit A. Family Communication in Germline Genomic Screening. KConFab 2019, Kingscliff Australia, August 2019.
    • Best M, Leget C, Goodhead A, Paal P. Professional Education in Spiritual Care in Palliative Care: An EAPC White Paper. World Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care, Berlin Germany, 23 - 25 May 2019.
    • Best M,McArdle MB, Huang YJ,Clayton J, Butow P.How is Spirituality discussed in palliative care consultations with and without a question prompt list? World Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care, Berlin Germany, 23 - 25 May 2019.
    • Best M, Newson AJ, Meiser B, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Tucker K, Ballinger M, Hess D, Schlub T, Biesecker B, Vines R, Vines K, Thomas D, Young MA, Savard J, Jacobs C, Butow P. (2018) The PiGeOn Project: protocol for a longitudinal study examining psychosocial and ethical issues and outcomes in cancer tumour genomic profiling. COSA, Perth 2018..
    • Best M, Best M, Newson AJ, Meiser B, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Tucker K, Ballinger M, Hess D, Schlub T, Biesecker B, Vines R, Vines K, Thomas D, Young MA, Savard J, Jacobs C, Butow P. Young cancer patient perspectives on undertaking whole genome sequencing: A qualitative study. COSA, Perth 2018.
    • Best M, Newson AJ, Meiser B, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Tucker K, Ballinger M, Hess D, Schlub T, Biesecker B, Vines R, Vines K, Thomas D, Young MA, Savard J, Jacobs C, Butow P. (2018) The PiGeOn Project: protocol for a longitudinal study examining psychosocial and ethical issues and outcomes in cancer tumour genomic profiling. Sydney Cancer Conference, 2018.
    • Best M, Best M, Newson AJ, Meiser B, Juraskova I, Goldstein D, Tucker K, Ballinger M, Hess D, Schlub T, Biesecker B, Vines R, Vines K, Thomas D, Young MA, Savard J, Jacobs C, Butow P. Young cancer patient perspectives on undertaking whole genome sequencing: A qualitative study. Sydney Cancer Conference, 2018.
    • Smit AK, Newson AJ, Keogh L, Best M, Dunlop K, Tan K, Vuong K, Kirk J, Btow P, Trevena L, Cust AE. General practitioner views on providing personal genomic risk information to the general population. European Meeting on Psychosocial Aspects of Genetics, Milan, Italy, June 2018.
    • Butow P, Best M, Bartley N, Jacobs C, Juraskova I, Newson A, Savard J, Meiser B, Ballinger M, Thomas D, Biesecker B. Patient perspectives on consenting to molecular tumour profiling: a qualitative study. European Meeting on Psychosocial Aspects of Genetics, Milan, Italy, June 2018.
    • Best M, Butow P, Olver I. Helping dying patients with cancer find peace: a qualitative study examining the role of the doctor. MASCC International Conference, Adelaide Australia, June 2016.
    • Best M, Aldridge L, Butow P, Olver I, Webster F (2015) Conceptual Analysis of Suffering in Cancer: a systematic review. European Association of Palliative Care Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark, May 2015.
    • Best M, Butow P, Olver I. (2015). Learning from the experts who discuss spirituality: a qualitative study. European Association of Palliative Care Conference, Copenhagen, Denmark, May 2015.
    • Aldridge L, Best M, Butow P, Price M, Zorbas H, Webster F, Olver I. (2013). Suffering in cancer – a systematic literature review. IPOS Brisbane.

  • Professional affiliations

    Committee Memberships

    • 2020- Board Member, Defence Force Board
    • 2020- Director, Ethicentre
    • 2020- Member, Joint Research Council
    • 2020- Member, Ethics Management Team, CMDFA
    • 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
    • Sydney Catalyst Translational Cancer Research Centre
    • Sydney Vital (Northern Translational Cancer Research Unit)
    • 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

    • 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.
    • Euthanasia. Vine Church, Surry Hills, July 2020, online.
    • Spiritual care in the hospital. 11th World Research Congress EAPC, October 2020, online.
    • The truth about euthanasia. Greek Orthodox Parish of St Catherine, October 2019.
    • Abortion. YA Teaching Figtree Anglican Church, Wollongong, October 2019.
    • Euthanasia. ACL Forum, Brisbane October 2019.
    • Spiritual Care in Hospitals. CMDFA Annual Conference. Canberra, October 2019.
    • The thing about Advanced Cancer. Cancer Council NSW. Podcast interview with Julie McCrossin, on website, July 2019.
    • White Paper on Spiritual Care Education in Palliative Care. EAPC Conference 2019, Berlin, Germany.
    • Decisional Making at the End of Life. Impact, Sydney Australia, 27 April 2019.
    • Abortion. Oxygen Conference. Sydney, Australia, 25-28 June 2018.
    • Euthanasia. Oxygen Conference. Sydney, Australia, 25-28 June 2018.
    • The art of influence. 2nd National Grandparent Conference. Wollongong, Australia, 2 June 2018.
    • Invited Discussant at the University of Sydney Cancer Research Network Workshop – Getting ‘omics into the clinic. 13 April 2018.
    • Clinical aspects of euthanasia. CMDFA State Conference, Croydon Park, March 2018.
    • Palliative Care Ethics. Unconventional Conventions. Puerto Arenas, Chile, February 2018.
    • Euthanasia. Unconventional Conventions. Puerto Arenas, Chile, February 2018.
    • Advance Care Directives. Unconventional Conventions. Puerto Arenas, Chile, February 2018.
    • Suffering at the end of life. Unconventional Conventions. Puerto Arenas, Chile, February 2018.
    • Spirituality in Healthcare. St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney Grand Rounds, 24 October 2017.
    • Researching spirituality in Healthcare. St Vincent’s Health Australia Pastoral Care Working Party meeting, Sydney, 6 October 2017.
    • Ethics of Contraception. Let the children come conference, Houston Texas USA, 9 September 2017.
    • Spirituality in Healthcare. Spiritual Care Working Party, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Sydney, 9 August 2017.
    • Ethics of euthanasia. Engage lunch series. Public lecture hosted by ADM, Sydney, 14 August 2017.
    • Public debate with Prof Neil Levy, Macquarie and Oxford Universities, on euthanasia. Hosted by Futures Forums, Sydney. 27 July 2017.
    • Euthanasia. Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship Australia. Brisbane, July 2017.
    • Euthanasia. SMBC Hot Topics. Sydney, May 2017.
    • Addressing spiritual needs – an optional extra? Enhancing quality and safety: Spiritual Care in health. Spiritual Care Australia Consensus Conference. Melbourne, June 2017.
    • The Suffering Patient. Hospice New Zealand Genesis Breakfast Lecture Series 2016. By teleconference, 1 December 2016.
    • Matters of life and death. Charles Sturt University, Port Macquarie, November 2016.
    • Should euthanasia be legalized? A consideration of the ethics involved. Burwood Christian Union, Deakin University, Geelong, September 2016.
    • Fearfully and wonderfully made: Ethics and the beginning of human life. Deakin University Christian Union and AFES. Public Lecture. Melbourne, September 2016.
    • Euthanasia. Freedom 16 Conference. Freedom for Faith, Sydney August 2016.
    • Safeguarding our patients from the euthanasia debate. 2016 Annual Scientific Meeting, Medical Oncology Group of Australia, Gold Coast August 2016.
    • Euthanasia. SMA Perth, University of Western Australia, May 2016.
    • Origins of Human Personhood, AFES Murdoch University, Perth May 2016.
    • Looking for answers. Iaugural Australasian Youth Cancer Summit. Sydney, December 2015.
    • Suffering. The Palliative Care Bridge. HammondCare consortium. http://www.palliativecarebridge.com.au/index.htm. 2015.
    • Abortion. Moore College, October 2015.
    • Suffering, spirituality and refreshment. CMDFA National Conference. Sydney, 2015.
    • Brave New World. American Scientific Affiliation Annual Meeting. Public lecture at McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada. July 2014.
    • The truth about contraceptives. The Gospel Coalition (TGC) Women’s Conference, Orlando FL, USA. June 2014.
    • Screening in normal pregnancy. TGC Women’s Conference, Orlando FL, USA. June 2014.
    • Living with terminal illness. Community Issues Forum, St Matthew’s Anglican Church, West Pennant Hills, May 2014.
    • Best M. If euthanasia is the answer, what is the problem? Re-thinking: a public faith conference. Sydney. March 2014.
    • Best M. NSW Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill. Special Briefing on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide. NSW Parliament House. May 2013.
    • Ethics at the beginning of life. Public Lecture, Trinity International University, Chicago Illinois USA, April 2013.
    • Allow natural death. COTA NSW Parliamentary Forum. Let’s talk about dying, 2013. Published online.
    • Ethics at the beginning of life. Westminster Conference on Science and Faith, 2013 Westminster Theological Seminary and Discovery Institute’s Center for Science and Culture, Philadelphia USA.
    • New Directions in Assisted Reproduction. 2013 TGC National Conference, Orlando FL, USA, April 2013.
    • Leadership in a moral minefield. National Prayer Breakfast, Parliament House, Canberra, September 2012.

  • Recent Awards

    Grants and Scholarships

    • 2020 Team-based Industry-linked Research training Program Stipend Scholarship for a PhD student at UNDA in partnership with Royal Rehab Hospital, Sydney, $90,000 over three years.
    • 2019 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. Awarded from 1 July 2019, $185,000 over three years.
    • 2017 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. Awarded $564,666 from Jan 2017 for three years.

  • In the Media

    Gospel Coalition https://australia.thegospelcoalition.org/, https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/

    CASE UNSW http://www.case.edu.au

  • Other

    Current Society Memberships

    • 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 Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, Sydney
    • Institute for Ethics and Society, University of Notre Dame Australia
    • Christian Medical and Dental Fellowship Australia