Dr Isabella Garti is a midwifery academic and health researcher whose work in maternal health, particularly pre-eclampsia, has contributed to global and Australian healthcare systems. Based at the Molly Wardaguga Research Institute, she focuses on addressing Indigenous health inequities and improving maternal and neonatal outcomes for First Nations people. She co-leads the development of a Birthing on Country Toolkit to support culturally safe maternity care across Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations and broader health services.
Her doctoral research examined the socio-ecological impact of midwifery care for women with pre-eclampsia in a low- and middle-income country, investigating systemic challenges and healthcare personnel perceptions. These findings provide critical insight into improving the quality of maternal care and have direct relevance to midwifery education and practice in Australia.Dr Garti has presented her research at international conferences, including the International Confederation of Midwives and Virtual International Day of the Midwife, and has served on committees for major conferences, shaping academic discourse. She has 21 publications in high-impact journals and contributes as a peer reviewer for leading publications in her field.
Her advocacy extends beyond academia through Action on Preeclampsia Ghana, where she supports awareness campaigns, patient education, and practitioner empowerment. She is Chief Investigator on a $290,000 USD Gates Foundation subaward piloting innovative educational tools for preservice midwifery in Nigeria and was a visiting research fellow at the University of Utrecht in 2024.Dr Isabella Garti’s work integrates research, education, and advocacy, advancing maternal health outcomes and equity both internationally and in Australia.