A number of Western Australian doctors and medical professionals were among the 830 Australians on this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list
Announced in conjunction with the King’s Birthday holiday as it was celebrated on the east coast, a total of 67 people from WA were given additional titles.
Professor Richard Prince who is a consultant physician in the Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and a senior honorary research fellow within the UWA Medical School was named an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia.
He was acknowledged for his distinguished service to endocrinology as a researcher and clinical physician.
Another WA person to add an AO behind their name is Dr Michael Repacholi, who has worked as a radiation protection physicist around the world.
He was recognised for his distinguished service to medical research, as well as for his contributions to environmental health and professional medical societies.
A number of WA medical figures were also named as Members (AM) of the Order of Australia.
Professor Timothy William Jones who is currently at the Kids Research Institute Australia as the co-director of diabetes and obesity research got a nod for his significant service to medical research, particularly to paediatric endocrinology and diabetes.
RELATED: Australia Day Honours: WA leaders recognised for services to health
Paediatric anaesthetist at Perth Children’s Hospital, Professor Britta Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg’s significant service to medicine and related research saw her named a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia.
Professor Regli-von Ungern-Sternberg said she was grateful to be honoured in this way – not just for herself, but her research team and clinical colleagues.
“They play such important roles in the teamwork that makes any research possible,” she said.
“Paediatric anaesthetists care for children across a spectrum of diseases and sizes – from premature neonates of a few hundred grams, to adolescents.
“Whilst paediatric anaesthesia has an excellent safety record, there is always the chance of a sudden emergency where the anaesthetist must act immediately to save a life.
“I am proud that my research has led to innovative, pragmatic and highly implementable solutions to common problems experienced by children having surgery.”
The work of Emeritus Professor Peter Aran Howat from Curtin University’s School of Public Health within public health education and promotion was honoured with an AM, as was work in community health done by Professor Vaughan Henderson the chief executive officer at Emergency Triage Services.
Upon this year’s honours being announced, Governor-General Sam Mostyn said: “These honours recognise the selfless service, integrity, achievement, creativity, and care that flourish across our country.”
Governor of WA Chris Dawson will formally invest the WA recipients with the insignia of their appointments and awards at ceremony in September.
Want more news, clinicals, features and guest columns delivered straight to you? Subscribe for free to WA’s only independent magazine for medical practitioners.
Want to submit an article? Email editor@mforum.com.au