AMA Awards Best Individual Contribution To Healthcare in Australia

The State and Territory AMAs nominate an individual, not necessarily a doctor, who has made a major contribution to health care and who, in the opinion of that State or Territory, is deserving of personal recognition by the Association as a whole.

In presenting the award, AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, said Dr Notaras had become synonymous with Darwin Hospital and its key role in national and international crises and in developing high quality medical care to Territorians.

Dr Glasson said the Royal Darwin Hospital has come to epitomise the role of Australia in our region through its activities in caring for victims of the Bali bombing and the Asian tsunami, and its key role on the border against health threats from the north - and Dr Notaras has been deeply involved in that activity.

"Len's reputation is legendary. Like the Territory itself, Len Notaras is larger than life and his story is a 'Boy's Own' adventure," Dr Glasson said.

"His diverse career involves medicine, law enforcement, the military and private enterprise.

"He has degrees in Medicine, Law and Arts (with Honours), and Commerce; and masters in History and Hospital Management.

"Len has been Medical Superintendent of Royal Darwin Hospital since 1994 and is also the Senior Supervising Medical Superintendent for the Northern Territory.

"He was also General Manager of Royal Darwin Hospital for two years.

"He serves on and has served on numerous health boards and committees at the Territory and national levels.

"He is also a senior lecturer at the Flinders Medical School.

He is committed to greater efficiency in the hospital system, and is a champion of clinical teaching and training for the next generation of doctors.

"He is dedicated to quality in medicine and is a worthy winner of this Award," Dr Glasson said.

27 May 2005

CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306
Dr Len Notaras (08) 8922 8888 / 0417 800 462