Welcome June Joseph!
Photo: Dr June Joseph at her PhD graduation on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe 2018 - “More tears are shed over answered prayers than unanswered ones.” ~ Saint Teresa of Avila
Doctor June Joseph is a global health anthropologist and budding theologian who specialises in maternal and child health, non-communicable and infectious diseases, health promotion and health systems in marginalised populations. She currently serves as an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the Primary Care Clinical Unit, The University of Queensland, Australia.
She has been drawn by a deep conviction that health, wellbeing and healing is both a scientific and spiritual calling. Her work has graciously taken her into communities affected by displacement, injustice and poverty – where she witnessed how faith, especially the sacraments and Catholic Social Teaching, can embolden a more holistic and compassionate response.
Now, she bridged global health and theology – seeking to integrate public health knowledge and measures with the Church’s mission of mercy, justice and care for creation.
A brief background
I was born in Penang, Malaysia into a devout and astute Catholic family. My late father’s positionality as a public servant has taken me on journeys across various cities and remote areas – which I am ever grateful for my integral development – spanning from his heart of self-giving love and dedication for the poor and marginalised, which I have certainly taken after. In my late day’s many postings, the little rural townships of Gerik, Perak captured my young blooming soul the most due to its quiet yet powerful intersection of nature, community and resilient faith. Due to the remoteness of the area, a French priest, the late Fr Maurice Surmon, MEP, could only make pastoral visits every few months – making each Mass a deeply anticipated and cherished relational sacred reunion with Christ – an oasis of faith and belonging in the quiet remoteness of our lives.
With journeys taking me on, I completed my undergraduate studies in Medical Biotechnology. Despite being a 5-time Dean’s Award Winner, I found something profoundly missing in the precision of biotechnology – a yearning for connection, humanity and meaning – that drew me towards maternal and child public health to understand the sacrifices and challenges that my late mother underwent.
Photo: Dr June at her graduation with her family in Christ
Then after, I was awarded a prestigious merit-based scholarship by the Australian Government for my PhD studies in Brisbane, Australia. My PhD in Global Public Health Nutrition explored postpartum, breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices among refugee women – focussing on social and cultural inclusion in the western contemporary world. As I worked with my community actors, I began to sense that anthropology alone could not capture the depth of human suffering, healing and resilience I was witnessing. In those quiet personal encounters, I discovered a longing for something deeper – that only theology could answer on the sacredness of human life, mystery of suffering and the call to justice rooted in love.
(A St Edith Stein-themed birthday cake specially crafted by my sister)
Providently, it was during that season of questioning and searching that the Carmelite Saints entered my life – especially St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), St Therese of Lisieux and St Teresa of Avila. My connection with the Carmelite Saints and Order of Discalced Carmelite sisters in Ormiston, initially led me to consider a religious vocation. However, over time, our Good Lord revealed that their patronage was meant to accompany me in my academic and spiritual – prayerfully guiding me on how scholarship and spirituality can work to transform the world, rather than calling me to a formal religious life.
Photo: Dr June Joseph with Sr Moira - the prioress at Carmel and her mentor and confidante
Years after I completed my doctorate, I worked in public health teaching and research and clinical trials operational teams – partnering international organizations in various countries. Life has been a continuous journey of discovery, guided not only by curiosity and conviction, but also by Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, St Joseph and the cloud of witnesses – whose quiet strength and holy presence have sustained me through every season of growth and grace.
What could I offer the Totus Tuus Apostolate
I offer interdisciplinary insights shaped by global public health, anthropology and Catholic Theology – grounded in both scientific theories and spiritual reflection. Through writing, research and dialogue, I hope to contribute insights that bridge faith and health with scripture, Catholic Social Teachings, the sacraments and the lives of saints. While I hope to uplift marginalised voices that are often neglected, I am dedicated to inspiring compassionate, theologically rooted action in policy, practice and pastoral care.
We warmly welcome Dr June Joseph as our latest contributor!
