Celebrating Indigenous health achievements

Celebrating Indigenous health achievements

Four surgeons were recognised today for their contributions to better Indigenous health outcomes at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Congress (ASC) in Perth.

The inaugural Indigenous Health Medals are part of the College’s efforts to celebrate individuals who are helping to close the gap in health outcomes for Māori, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Two New Zealanders were recognised for their outstanding contributions to Māori health:

Professor Patrick Alley, the Director of Clinical Training at Waitemata District Health Board and Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Auckland, has been a strong advocate for the bi-national focus of the College’s Indigenous Health Committee.

Professor Alley’s great respect for Māori culture is recognised by those in Māori communities who work with him. This, together with his fluency in te reo, have enabled him to work alongside Māori communities to seek ways to improve health outcomes.

Associate Professor Jonathan Koea is a highly accomplished general surgeon at Waitemata District Health Board and also a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Auckland. He has a particular interest in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery.

Associate Professor Koea identifies with the Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Mutunga and Ngāti Tama iwi from Taranaki on the west coast of the North Island. He was the inaugural recipient of the Eru Pomare research award. He has worked with many Māori groups in advocating for changes to improve the quality of health services provided to Māori whānau and communities.

Professor Harvey Coates AO, a senior ear nose and throat surgeon at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Western Australia, and Dr Ollapallil Jacob, a senior lecturer at Flinders University and general surgeon at Alice Springs hospital, also received awards for their contributions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

(L-R) Indigenous Health Session Co-Convenor Kelvin Kong, medal recipient Dr Pat Alley (NZ), Dr Ollapallil Jacob (Australia) and Co-Convenor Maxine Ronald

ENDS

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