Rate My Professor Jillian Tourelle

Jillian Tourelle is the Manager of Student Affairs at the Otago Medical School, part of the University of Otago's Division of Health Sciences. In this capacity, she oversees student affairs for the MBChB medical programme, which is distinctive as the only university course with its own dedicated student affairs office. This role has become increasingly vital amid growing demands, including support for student resilience following challenges like Covid-19. The medical student intake has more than doubled over the past 25 years, expanding from 165 to 352 students per year, underscoring the scale of her responsibilities in guiding students through their academic journey. Tourelle focuses on assisting students facing personal or academic difficulties, deriving great satisfaction from witnessing their successful graduation as doctors.

Tourelle is recognized as a long-serving professional staff stalwart at the Otago Medical School, featured alongside colleagues Philip Tilson, Anne-Marie Patterson, and Jacqui Bradshaw, whose combined service totals approximately 75 years. She has held additional positions such as Operations Lead in Health Sciences and the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, as well as Trainee Intern Coordinator. Her administrative expertise extends to coordinating processes for trainee intern grants and serving as a key contact for the Health Sciences Southland Study Hub. Tourelle has contributed to various university initiatives, including the distribution of surveys for research studies on medical student sleep preferences, attitudes toward osteoarthritis care among health professionals, and perceptions of maternity care in general practice. She appears in official handbooks such as the Dunedin School of Medicine Advanced Learning in Medicine Trainee Intern Handbook, BMedSc(Hons) Programme Information, and clinical teacher induction guides. Her enduring commitment was highlighted during the Otago Medical School's 150th anniversary celebrations in 2025, where professional staff like her were praised by Dean Professor Suzanne Pitama for their expertise, dedication, and essential role in student success, programme delivery, and advancements in medical education.