Breaking Barriers in Medicine

When Dr Barbara Burge (Payne, 1950) graduated from Brisbane Girls Grammar School with the ambition of pursuing a career in medicine, she knew the male-dominated industry would present challenges.

Barbara commenced at Girls Grammar in 1947 followed by her sister, Margaret, in 1952. A bright and enthusiastic student with a passion for learning, Barbara particularly enjoyed English and History. She was also actively involved in sporting activities at the School, recalling the early morning journeys from her family home at Redcliffe Peninsula to attend sports practice before school: ‘it was quite a challenge, but well worth it!’ In her graduating year, Barbara was Secretary of the School Sports Association.

It was during her time at Girls Grammar that Barbara gained the courage, determination, and confidence she needed to pursue a meaningful, fulfilling career. Barbara fondly remembers the inspirational teachers she had at school who were ‘all individual in their own way, especially Headmistress Miss Lilley’ who Barbara still remembers as ‘such a strong powerful woman’.

'I think one of the things that Grammar does so well is that they encourage girls to do whatever they want.

‘If they have enough passion, they can pursue their dream to do things that, in the past, may not have been easy to do. Anything is an option if you want it enough.’

This belief in the strength of encouragement of girls and young women is reflected in Barbara’s continued involvement and support of Girls Grammar. She has supported a number of philanthropic campaigns and initiatives at BGGS and has also made a bequest to the School in her Will, in the hope that future generations of students can enjoy the wonderful opportunities that she experienced.

'Girls Grammar is so liberating for girls ... instilling in me the strong belief that if you work hard, you are capable of living your dreams. I would love to see this continue to be a part of the School's philosophy.'

A Prefect in her graduating year, Barbara studied medical science at The University of Queensland where she obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. She graduated in 1956 and obtained the Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

While studying medicine in 1954, Barbara met her late husband, the Revd. Dr Evan Laurie Burge, who had offered to teach Barbara how to play the organ after hearing her play at a Student Christian Movement camp. Barbara and Evan developed a deep, life-long relationship, encouraging and supporting one another’s interests and passions, including their individual career aspirations while raising a family of six children—three girls and three boys. 

With encouragement and support from Barbara, Evan, who taught Languages at Brisbane Grammar School in 1956, took the family to Oxford where he studied Ancient History and Philosophy. The family returned to Australia where Evan lectured in the Department of Classics at Australian National University. Together, Barbara and Evan shared common faith, values, and mutual respect. They both enjoyed helping others and were active in the Anglican Church community where Evan was ordained to the priesthood in 1971. 

Three years later, in 1974, the family moved from Canberra to Melbourne. This was the same year that the first 10 female students were admitted full co-residence at Trinity College, some 90 years after the first female student was admitted as a non-resident in 1883, and the first cohort of female students successfully petitioned to study medicine at the University in 1887.

As Barbara established a successful career in general practice, her role as the Warden’s wife was broad and varied. She worked full-time at a community health centre while raising their family and becoming a role model to the female students at Trinity College. The students found inspiration and encouragement in her ability to juggle family life, further studies, and a successful career in medicine—nothing seemed to hold her back.

When Evan fell ill, Barbara cut back her hours as a GP to care for him. It was during this time that Barbara undertook further tertiary studies. In April 2003, one week after Evan passed away, Barbara, aged 71 years, graduated with a Masters in GP Psychiatry at Monash University. 

Barbara’s love of education only deepened throughout her career, and she shared her knowledge, experience, and challenges with budding doctors at Melbourne University, where she tutored part-time on Ethical Practice.

Today, Barbara believes there is nothing holding young women back from studying. In the 1950s, Barbara had to fight for a seat at the table, and that seat was in the front row of the lecture hall, attended by only 10 women compared to 100 men.

‘There were times as a young resident when I was called down to the emergency department and it was quite common for them to think I was one of the nurses,’ she said.

‘I don’t believe that assumption happens anymore.’

After an accomplished career and living interstate and abroad, Barbara is now retired and enjoying life in Melbourne, with a wonderful community of family and friends located across the world—from Zimbabwe to Mexico.

Barbara is a member of the School’s Sophia Beanland Circle, an emergent group of women and men who have chosen to leave a bequest to Brisbane Girls Grammar School. By choosing to leave a bequest to Girls Grammar, Barbara is helping to create more opportunities for the education of girls—encouraging future generations of women to fulfill their dreams—with nothing to hold them back.