Background

I am an Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Fellow at Deakin University and have contributed to advance care planning (ACP) research and implementation projects since 2012. I completed my PhD in 2020 at the University of Sydney, focusing on improving person-centred approaches to ACP for people with end-stage kidney disease. Drawing on my background in psychology and qualitative research methods, my current research aims to adapt ACP processes to individual needs and evolving circumstances by using systems thinking and integrating new technologies. Prior to joining Deakin, I worked at the Department of Health Economics Wellbeing and Society at the ANU, the Australian Centre for Health Law Research at QUT, and as Research Manager at Advance Care Planning Australia.

Research Focus

My work focuses on enhancing healthcare through a person-centred approach, with a specific emphasis on improving end-of-life care.

Awards & Achievements

  • Wicking Trust. Bringing Death Back into Life: Developing Solutions Programs. Enhancing advance care planning through systems thinking and technological innovation. $420,000, 2025-2027
  • Deakin University. Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. Enhancing person-centred advance care planning through technological innovation 2024-2026

About me...

Pets:

 

 Not right now but hoping to have one again soon.
Footy team:

 

  Not really into footy 🙂
Signature dish:

 

 Roast chicken or moussaka
Coffee order:

 

 Long black

Feature Publications

  • Sellars M, Chung O, Nolte L, Tong A, Pond D, Fetherstonhaugh D, McInerney F, Sinclair C, Detering KM. Perspectives of people with dementia and carers on advance care planning and end-of-life care: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. Palliative medicine. 2019 Mar;33(3):274-90.
  • Sellars M, Clayton JM, Morton RL, Luckett T, Silvester W, Spencer L, Pollock CA, Walker RG, Kerr PG, Tong A. An interview study of patient and caregiver perspectives on advance care planning in ESRD. American Journal of Kidney Diseases. 2018 Feb 1;71(2):216-24.
  • Sellars M, Tong A, Luckett T, Morton RL, Pollock CA, Spencer L, Silvester W, Clayton JM. Clinicians’ perspectives on advance care planning for patients with CKD in Australia: An interview study. American Journal of Kidney Diseases. 2017 Sep 1;70(3):315-23.
  • Sellars M, White BP, Yates P, Willmott L. Medical practitioners’ views and experiences of being involved in assisted dying in Victoria, Australia: A qualitative interview study among participating doctors. Social Science & Medicine. 2022 Jan 1;292:114568.
  • Moore N, Detering KM, Low T, Nolte L, Fraser S, Sellars M. Doctors’ perspectives on adhering to advance care directives when making medical decisions for patients: an Australian interview study. BMJ open. 2019 Oct 1;9(10):e032638.

How you can help

Participate in a Clinical Trial

To find out about Clinical Trials currently underway at Barwon Health, click here. To learn more about the Adrian Costa Clinical Trials Centre, click here.

Donate

Research requires ongoing investment and there are several ways to support our work. You can make a donation today and contribute to an item on our research group’s wish list, consider a bequest in your will, or establish a lasting legacy fund in your name. No matter what size, your philanthropic support will deliver an immediate impact to this important work. To donate now or for more information, please contact the Barwon Health Foundation.