Big Ideas in the Pub is a public discussion series that brings citizens, leading thinkers and experts together in casual pub and hotel settings to share meals, drinks and open conversations about major social, political and global issues.
For this event, we turn to a question that becomes especially important when communities face uncertainty and crisis: What do doctors do in public health crises?
How do doctors make difficult decisions when the stakes are high, evidence is evolving, resources may be limited, and ethical considerations can pull in different directions?
Join us for a relaxed and engaging afternoon of big questions, thoughtful discussion and good conversation at Sail and Anchor in Fremantle.
Our Guest Speakers
Richard Hamilton (PhD, Philosophy)
Richard has a special focus on foundational questions of professional ethics. He leads the Bioethics Domain of the Doctor of Medicine Program at the University of Notre Dame Australia and is a Senior Lecturer of Moral and Political Philosophy at UNDA.
Gizachew Tessema (PhD, Public Health)
Gizachew is Co-Head of the Epidemiology Research Lab and an Associate Professor at Curtin University. He specialises in perinatal and reproductive epidemiology. His research has had a significant impact on epidemiological studies, with his papers receiving more than 43,000 citations.
Together, Richard and Gizachew will explore the ethical, scientific and practical challenges doctors and public health professionals face during times of crisis.
Expect an accessible conversation about ethics, evidence, decision-making and the role of doctors in protecting public health — with plenty of opportunity for audience discussion.
Event Details
📍 Sail and Anchor: 64 South Terrace, Fremantle WA 6160
🕓 Thursday 27 August 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (AWST)
🎟️ $5 per ticket
Every ticket holder will receive a $5 Sail and Anchor voucher, which can be spent on food at the venue.
The first 15 ticket holders will receive a $10 voucher instead — at no extra cost!
Come along, grab a drink or a bite, meet some interesting people, and join the conversation.
Big questions. Good company. Cheers!