Award for best individual contribution to health care
The AMA has presented the Best Individual Contribution to Healthcare Award 2001 to Sydney consultant neurosurgeon Dr John Grant.
Dr Grant has been an outstanding contributor to the rehabilitation and treatment of people with disabilities in New South Wales.
In presenting the award at a ceremony at Melbourne's Regent Theatre last night, AMA Federal President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, congratulated Dr Grant on his role as President of the Sydney Paralympic Organising Committee.
"This was a role John carried out with distinction - which focussed international attention on the thousands of Australians who assist people with physical disabilities," Dr Phelps said.
"In February 2001, Dr Grant was honoured for his service by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and awarded the ESR Hughes Medal.
"Dr Grant's achievements are the culmination of more than 40 years of dedicated service not only to his patients but to the broader community of disabled persons.
"Since 1950 Dr Grant has been a consultant neurosurgeon at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital. During that time he supervised the establishment of both the Department of Neurosurgery and Spinal Injuries Unit.
"In 1961 he co-founded the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association of New South Wales and only retired as president last year after 30 years of service.
"Dr Grant is a life member of the AMA - joining shortly after his graduation in 1946.
"Australia owes an enormous debt to you, Dr Grant. You are an example of what one person with selfless dedication can achieve in public health. Congratulations."
Dr Phelps said the Best Individual Contribution to Healthcare Award recipient was chosen by the AMA branches each year who nominate an individual, not necessarily a doctor, who has made a major contribution to health care and who, in the opinion of the branches, is deserving of personal recognition by the AMA as a whole.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 (0419) 494 761
Sarah Bucknell (02) 6270 5472 (0419) 440 076