A Defining Moment for Joint Vision ... And a Model of Care Built Differently
Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group founder Dr Meghan Dares has been recognised at the 2026 Illawarra Women in Business Awards, taking out both Businesswoman of the Year and Innovative Businesswoman of the Year, with Joint Vision also Highly Commended for Business of the Year.
The recognition comes as the awards celebrate their 20th year, highlighting the strength, leadership and innovation of women in business across the Illawarra.
While the honours are significant, they reflect something deeper than individual achievement. They recognise a model of care that is changing how orthopaedic and musculoskeletal treatment is delivered, and experienced, by patients.
Dr Meghan Dares recognised at the 2026 Illawarra Women in Business Awards, taking out Businesswoman of the Year and Innovative Businesswoman of the Year, with Joint Vision also Highly Commended for Business of the Year.
Rethinking the Patient Journey
In her acceptance speech for Innovative Businesswoman of the Year, Dr Dares spoke to the philosophy behind Joint Vision:
“Innovation in healthcare is not always about doing something flashy or complicated. Sometimes it’s about looking at the system in front of you and asking: How could this be better for the patient?”
That question has shaped Joint Vision from the beginning.
Traditionally, patients move through a fragmented system, seeing multiple providers across different locations, repeating their story, waiting on results, and often navigating uncertainty about what comes next.
Joint Vision was built to change that.
By bringing orthopaedic specialists, physiotherapy, imaging, rehabilitation and research together in one coordinated model, patients are able to access clearer pathways, faster decision-making, and more connected care.
Innovation Beyond Technology
While Joint Vision continues to invest in new systems and clinical advancements, the true innovation lies in the design of the model itself.
As highlighted during the awards:
Real-time collaboration between clinicians
Reduced fragmentation across care pathways
Improved communication between disciplines
A more streamlined and supported experience for patients
This approach is not only improving outcomes, it is changing expectations of what orthopaedic care can look like.
Today, Joint Vision delivers close to 20,000 consultations annually and more than 2000 surgical procedures, supported by a growing multidisciplinary team and the establishment of the Joint Vision Orthopaedic Research Institute (JVORI).
What This Means for Patients and Referrers
For patients, this recognition reinforces a simple but important message:
👉 You don’t need to navigate your injury or condition alone
👉 There are clearer, more coordinated pathways to recovery
👉 Surgery is not always the first step, but when it is needed, it can be part of a well-supported journey
For GPs and referrers, it highlights a model designed to:
Provide clarity in diagnosis and treatment planning
Support collaborative care across disciplines
Deliver timely communication and outcomes
A Collective Effort
Dr Dares acknowledged the role of the broader team and community in building Joint Vision:
“No innovation works unless people are willing to build it, test it, refine it, and keep showing up with energy and belief.”
She also recognised the support of the Illawarra community:
“This award recognises that regional healthcare can lead, that it can be ambitious, innovative, and create models with impact beyond our local area.”
Acknowledging the Awards and Sponsors
Joint Vision extends its thanks to Illawarra Women in Business (IWIB) for 20 years of recognising and supporting women in business across the region, and to organiser Glenda Papac and all those who have contributed to building this important platform.
We also acknowledge the sponsors who support these awards, including:
Lancaster Law & Mediation – sponsor of the Innovative Businesswoman of the Year category
The Works Corrimal – sponsor of the Businesswoman of the Year category
Looking Ahead
While the awards mark a significant milestone, they also reinforce the direction ahead.
Joint Vision will continue to focus on:
Improving patient outcomes
Strengthening integrated care pathways
Supporting referrers with clear, collaborative models
Advancing research through JVORI
Because at its core, the goal remains the same:
To deliver orthopaedic care that is more connected, more effective, and ultimately better for the people who rely on it.
👉 View the full list of 2026 IWIB Award winners here