AMA National Conference 2015 - Excellence in Health Care Award

A clinician and researcher who has made an enormous contribution to promoting health and preventing disease, particularly among Indigenous and disadvantaged communities both in Australia and abroad, has been recognised by the AMA with its Excellence in Healthcare Award for 2015.

Associate Professor Smita Shah, who works as the Director of the Primary Care Education and Research Unit at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital, was presented with the award by AMA President, Associate Professor Brian Owler, at the AMA’s annual conference in Brisbane today in recognition of her outstanding contribution as a researcher, clinician and teacher.

A/Prof Shah is highly regarded internationally for her work in public health, particularly in researching and promoting evidence-based preventive health programs that have achieved demonstrable results in improving the health of target populations.

A/Prof Owler said the health programs developed by A/Prof Shah have fostered partnerships at the national and international level, improving the wellbeing of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities both in Australia and around the world.

“A/Prof Shah has been an outstanding advocate for public health programs across Australia, especially regarding improved lung health,” A/Prof Owler said.

“A/Prof Shah has developed, evaluated, and managed programs and research projects in immunisation, asthma, the promotion of healthy lifestyles, obesity prevention and Indigenous health.”

As well as being a Director at Westmead, A/Prof Shah is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, an Associate at the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, Lecturer at the University of New South Wales, and is a visiting Lecturer at the University of Applied Science in Hamburg, Germany and Centre for Managing Chronic Disease at the University of Michigan, America.

A/Prof Owler said that just as important as her research work was her contribution to training the generation of practitioners.

“She is passionate about teaching and education, and has developed innovative health education programs and materials for primary and high schools, health professionals and university students.” The AMA President said.

“A/Prof Shah is truly a worthy winner of the AMA Excellence in Healthcare Award.”

29 May 2015

CONTACT:          John Flannery                      02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761

                            Odette Visser                        02 6270 5464 / 0427 209 753

Follow all the action at the AMA National Conference on Twitter: #amanc15
Follow the AMA Media on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ama_media
Follow the AMA President on Twitter: http://twitter.com/amapresident