
Background
Emma began her career in basic science research before pursuing a medical degree and specialising in infectious diseases. Throughout her training, she remained committed to research, contributing to multiple projects that deepened her understanding of disease mechanisms and patient care. This foundation in both science and medicine shaped her approach to clinical practice, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Immersed in all aspects of COVID-19 care, Emma played a key role in establishing ambulatory care networks for acute COVID-19 in Victoria and provided medical support for healthcare staff experiencing post-COVID syndrome (long COVID).
Recognising the lack of dedicated services for people with long COVID, she founded Clinic Nineteen, a pioneering private clinic designed to address the ongoing needs of patients. The clinic continues to grow, expanding its services to include paediatric care and providing care to people with Long COVID across Australia.
Driven by a genuine commitment to finding effective treatments—and ultimately a cure for long COVID, Emma has returned to research at Burnet Institute. As a co-lead in developing an adaptive platform long COVID clinical trial, she is spearheading efforts to identify effective therapies, better understand the pathobiology of the disease, and explore novel treatment options. Her work bridges clinical care and research, with the goal of improving outcomes for people living with long COVID.
Qualifications
- 2020: FRACP, Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Infectious Diseases)
- 2012: Bachelor of Medicine, University of Queensland
- 2011: PhD (HIV Immunovirology), Burnet Institute
- 2002: BMedSci (Hons), University of Adelaide
Appointments
- The Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Positions
- 2024–present: Clinical Research Fellow, Burnet Institute
- 2022–present: Director, Clinic Nineteen Long COVID Clinic
- 2020–present: Visiting Medical Officer, Infectious Diseases, Eastern Health
- 2021–2023: Medical Officer, North Eastern Public Health Unit, COVID Response
- 2018–2023: Visiting Medical Officer, Infectious Diseases, Peninsular health
- 2020: Clinical Research Fellow, Victorian Infectious Diseases, Doherty Institute
- 2016: Medical Officer (RID-TB), Burnet Institute
- 2016: Visiting Scientist, Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust Laboratories, Blantyre, Malawi
- 2006-2011 PhD Candidate, Burnet Institute
Awards
- 2017: Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases Advanced Trainee Research Award
- 2009: Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine Best Oral Presentation
- 2008: Dean’s Commendation, University of Queensland
- 2005–2008: Dora Lush Biomedical Research Stipend
Burnet publications
View 5 more
Beyond time as the healer: action in long COVID treatment to improve patient outcomes
Internal Medicine Journal
Julie Metcalfe et al
Towards a cure for long COVID : the strengthening case for persistently replicating SARS ‐CoV ‐2 as a driver of post‐acute sequelae of COVID ‐19
The Medical Journal of Australia
Michelle J. L. Scoullar et al
Characterization of tetraspanins CD9, CD53, CD63, and CD81 in monocytes and macrophages in HIV-1 infection
Journal of Leukocyte Biology
Emma Tippett et al
Current projects
Testing treatments for long COVID, a collaborative clinical trial
HEAL APT: Harnessing effective approaches for long COVID therapies through an adaptive platform trial.
Know-C19
A whole of institute initiative that brings together Burnet’s multi-disciplinary skills to tackle the complex challenges of pandemics and health emergencies caused by infectious diseases.