Former AMA President honoured on Australia Day
The AMA today congratulated its former President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, who was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the Australia Day Honours.
AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said that Dr Haikerwal was one of many medical professionals whose dedication to their profession, their patients, and their communities was acknowledged on Australia Day.
“Doctors from many diverse backgrounds have been recognised and honoured this year,” Dr Pesce said.
“We have pioneering surgeons and researchers, public health advocates, researchers, mental health and chronic disease experts, disability advocates, and GPs and family doctors who have devoted their lives to serving their local communities.
“It is a very proud day for the medical profession. The AMA congratulates all the doctors and other health advocates whose work has been acknowledged on this special day.
“The AMA is especially proud of Dr Haikerwal. Throughout his time as AMA Victoria President, Federal AMA President, and as a member of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC), he was a strong and forceful advocate for GPs and their patients.
“Mukesh has a gentle nature, a disarming smile, and a very quick wit, but he was always a tough negotiator with politicians and health bureaucrats. He got results.
“In recent times, he has become a leader in the implementation of e-health initiatives in the Australian health system through his work with the National E-health Transition Authority (NEHTA). E-health has long been a passion for Mukesh and, again, he is getting results.
“Throughout all his national leadership roles with the AMA and other organisations, Mukesh has maintained his general practice in Altona North, Melbourne.
“Mukesh’s achievements are all the more remarkable given his long recovery and rehabilitation from a savage bashing in Melbourne in 2008, at the time he was a Commissioner with the NHHRC.
“Dr Mukesh Haikerwal is an outstanding doctor and an inspiring Australian,” Dr Pesce said.
26 January 2011
CONTACT: John Flannery 02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761
Geraldine Kurukchi 02 6270 5467 / 0427 209 753
Follow the AMA on Twitter: http://twitter.com/amapresident