Three professors from the ANU Medical School have been recognised in the 2020 Queen's Birthday Honours: Professor Christine Phillips, Professor Paul Smith and Professor Walter Abhayaratna.
ANU graduate Dr Michael Banyard, who completed his PhD in immunology at the John Curtin School of Medical Research, was also recognised.
Professor Phillips has been recognised for her significant service to medical education, to migrant and refugee health, and to medicine. She has been named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her service.
In addition to her research and teaching at ANU, Professor Phillips is the Medical Director of Companion House Medical Service - the ACT's refugee health care service. More than 10 years ago, she co-founded the Refugee Health Network of Australia and has previously advised the UNHCR and the Migration Council of Australia.
Speaking to the ANU Medical School about her work, Professor Phillips said she is also committed to mentorship and paving the way for younger women in medicine.
"I think the mentorship of women by women is critical in medicine and probably anywhere. My own non-linear career has been in some ways typical for many women. It has involved years out of the paid workforce with children, and some sideways steps rather than upward movement along the way."
Professor Abhayaratna has been recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to medicine in the Australian Capital Territory
Seaking to the ANU College of Health and Medicine for our Inspiring Doctors series, Professor Abhayaratna, whose work focuses on cardiology, said treating a heart attack was "relatively easy".
"What I prefer is talking to patients. Connecting with people and supporting them to change their whole mindset-as well as their lifestyle-so they're not back in the hospital next month. That kind of communication and connection, it's the art, not the science, of medicine."
Professor Smith has been named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to orthopaedic medicine as a surgeon, and to medical administration.
Professor Smith is widely recognised as a nationally leading orthopaedic researcher and is one of Australia’s most experienced hip and knee surgeons, having performed over 5000 hip and knee replacement procedures. He is also passionate about community and is Chair of the John James Memorial Foundation (JJMF), the ACT region's largest health and medical charitable foundation.
Dr Banyard has also won a Medal in the Order of Australia (OAM) for his work in veterinary science. His work in conservation biology brings together zoologists, veterinarians and ecologists.
He told The Canberra Times this work is more important than ever.
"Two years ago it would have been hard to emphasise how important this area is, but today, with the bushfires and the COVID-19 virus, there can never be a clearer example of how important our environment is to our survival," he said.
Dr Banyard has also worked at JCSMR in the field of experimental pathology.
Dean of the ANU College of Health and Medicine, Professor Russell Gruen, sent a "hearty congratulations" to these recipients, adding, "As a community we thank you for your service and celebrate your success."
