When Dr Deanna Bowen first stepped into her role as an Eating Disorder Coordinator in 2016, she felt like a soloist.
“I was trying desperately to convince others of the value of this work,” she said.
“Now I feel part of a choir – a connected team of dedicated clinicians who share a passion for improving care.”
Deanna’s journey began in child and adolescent mental health, where she noticed many young people present with eating disorders.
“It wasn’t something we were talking about enough, and I could see the service gaps clearly. I wanted to do something about it,” she said.
That drive led Deanna to complete doctoral research focused on eating disorder service delivery in rural health settings.
Working from within to improve outcomes
“Working clinically in mental health in rural NSW, I saw firsthand the challenges – limited resources, a lack of specialised skills and a general misunderstanding of eating disorders,” she said.
“That frustration became a driving force for my research.”
Appointed as part of the NSW Government’s Service Plan for People with Eating Disorders, Deanna’s role was created to ensure eating disorders became core business across all parts of the health system.
“This means not just mental health or medical services, but any door a person might walk through,” Deanna said.
Her work spans four key areas:
- service development
- workforce training
- clinical consultation
- statewide activity.
She’s helped set up unified procedures for inpatient care, advocated for new services and supported clinicians with evidence-based education and supervision.
One of her proudest achievements is the cultural shift
“Ten years ago, the conversation was ‘we don’t treat eating disorders in this service,’” she said. “Now it’s ‘how do we treat them better?’”
Deanna credits this change to the growing network of local champions in medicine, dietetics, mental health and nursing across the District.
Deanna also manages frontline positions including an adult eating disorder clinician and a dedicated dietitian.
Both positions provide direct client care and consultation to teams across the District along with education to support staff in caring for people with eating disorders.
“It’s exciting to support others in this space and continue building evidence that can shape better care,” she said.
A huge regional need
Northern NSW has one of the highest rates of eating disorder presentations among rural and regional areas. While public services have expanded, access to private care remains limited.
To help bridge the gap, Deanna supports private providers to upskill and promotes innovative solutions like the InsideOut Institute’s E-clinic, a free online platform offering 24/7 access to digital therapies and tools.
She’s also passionate about raising awareness and developed a dedicated Eating Disorder SharePoint site that consolidates local and statewide policies, procedures and care resources.
“I want people to know there are resources out there and that they can ask questions,” she said.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, Deanna is supervising two medical students who are researching the impact of specialist services.
She is also working on developing services that enhance community care for people with eating disorders outside the inpatient hospital setting.
“We do a pretty good job with younger adolescents, but the biggest age group we’re seeing is 18 to 35, and that’s where we need to improve,” she said.
Deanna is also working to shift beliefs around eating disorders.
“We often focus on anorexia nervosa, but it is important to note that eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes,” she said.
“Other eating disorders are often missed especially when people live in larger bodies. What matters most is often not the BMI, but the amount and speed of weight loss."
Her passion for this work is deeply personal
“Having two daughters has had a monumental impact. It’s shocking to see the harmful effects of social media firsthand.
“I also lead the Brunswick Heads Girl Guide Unit, and I take the responsibility of empowering girls and young women very seriously.
“Enhancing self-esteem and positive body image is so important.”
The turning point in her career came during maternity leave.
“There was no one in the area with experience in treating eating disorders, and I wondered what was happening to this underserviced population,” Deanna added.
“That reflection became the driving force of my doctoral research.”
Balance in nature and connection
Originally from Canada, Deanna cherishes visits home to see family and friends. “It’s important for me to reconnect with where I’m from,” she said.
Closer to home, she’s drawn to the crisp air and vibrant colours of autumn in Tenterfield and Bald Rock.
“Autumn is my favourite season. I love the leaves changing colour and the cold. I’m a huge fan of camping and the outdoors. A perfect weekend would be exploring nature and reading a novel – or three – in a hammock.”
Deanna also recharges with early morning walks and quiet reflection.
“I’m a voracious reader, and I love curling up with a good book," she added.
“And I suspect most people don’t know I’m a qualified archery instructor!”
Get supportIf you suspect you or someone you care about may be living with an eating disorder, speak to your local healthcare practitioner or visit insideoutinstitute.org.au to complete a free online screener and assessment. There’s also evidence-based information and professional support, including access to the InsideOut Institute’s free e-clinic. |
For District staff
- Sharepoint location for all procedures and policies: NNSWLHD – Eating Disorder
- or go to the intranet policy library and search “eating disorders”.