Introducing A/Prof Andrea Henden: A new champion for donors and patients
Andrea is a clinical haematologist and bone marrow transplant physician at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, as well as a dedicated researcher at QIMR Berghofer. With a career focused on transplantation, cellular therapies, and improving patient outcomes, she brings a wealth of experience to our mission.
From treating patients to shaping the future of transplantation
Before joining our Board, Andrea worked closely with Stem Cell Donors Australia in her role as a transplant physician. She has seen firsthand the impact of donor matches on patients’ lives, both from sourcing donors for transplants and through her work assessing potential donors for medical clearance.
“These experiences really cemented my appreciation for the central role Stem Cell Donors Australia plays in the transplant process,” Andrea shares. “I have always been met with kind, courteous people who go above and beyond to ultimately help patients.”
Andrea’s research focuses on transplant immunology, the role of the microbiome in T-cell function, and novel cellular therapies. She is leading several clinical trials designed to improve transplant outcomes, bringing new hope to patients facing life-threatening illnesses.
From treating patients to shaping the future of transplantation
Before joining our Board, Andrea worked closely with Stem Cell Donors Australia in her role as a transplant physician. She has seen firsthand the impact of donor matches on patients’ lives, both from sourcing donors for transplants and through her work assessing potential donors for medical clearance.
“These experiences really cemented my appreciation for the central role Stem Cell Donors Australia plays in the transplant process,” Andrea shares. “I have always been met with kind, courteous people who go above and beyond to ultimately help patients.”
Andrea’s research focuses on transplant immunology, the role of the microbiome in T-cell function, and novel cellular therapies. She is leading several clinical trials designed to improve transplant outcomes, bringing new hope to patients facing life-threatening illnesses.
Why she joined our Board
Andrea has long recognised the power of organisations like Stem Cell Donors Australia in shaping the future of transplantation.
“As a Board member, I have an opportunity to contribute beyond my clinical practice,” she explains. “I want to support positive changes in transplant infrastructure and help improve outcomes for patients across Australia.”
What excites her most about joining the Board? The people.
“My encounters with the other Board members so far have shown them to be a group of experienced, intelligent, and skilled people, all united by a common goal,” she says. “There’s leadership, compassion, and a willingness to help others. I look forward to learning from them.”
A personal connection to our mission
For Andrea, one of the most rewarding parts of her job is meeting the donors who make transplants possible.
“Meeting volunteer stem cell donors as part of their medical workup is one of the most rewarding aspects of my clinical job,” Andrea shares. “It is refreshing and humbling to meet such a wonderful group of people who have chosen to help others. Transplant recipients are often facing tough personal battles, and the awareness that a stranger has been willing to become their donor represents hope and opportunity for them. It is a unique privilege to be able to be a part of this process.”
We are incredibly fortunate to have Andrea join our leadership team. Her expertise, dedication, and passion for donor and patient care will help us continue to build a world where every patient finds their life-saving match.
Welcome to the team, Andrea!