Two-term past President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), Professor Michael Kidd, has been awarded the RACGP’s most prestigious honour, the Rose-Hunt Award.
The Rose-Hunt Award is presented to an RACGP Fellow or Member who has rendered outstanding service in the promotion of the objectives of the RACGP.
Presenting the award on the eve of the RACGP’s GP14 conference in Adelaide, RACGP President Dr Liz Marles acknowledged the unwavering commitment of Prof Kidd to the RACGP and all spheres of general practice.
“Prof Kidd steered the RACGP through a particularly tumultuous time for general practice during his two terms as RACGP President and he continues to provide valued support as a Board member of the RACGP Foundation,” said Dr Marles.
“He is highly respected in primary healthcare circles both nationally and internationally where he has tirelessly served the profession with integrity and perseverance.
“Prof Kidd goes above and beyond an already exemplary commitment to the profession through his various roles at the RACGP, extending his time and expertise to areas such as medical research, education and training, e-health, health policy and the promotion of global family medicine.
“Not only does Prof Kidd currently hold the highly prestigious role of President of the World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA), he is also the Executive Dean at Flinders University’s Faculty of Health Sciences and still manages to represent the profession on numerous high-level national and international boards and committees.
“He brings a unique credibility to all areas in which he works, whether it is international medico-political negotiations or interacting with medical students; he is a true inspiration to all with whom he interacts.”
Testament to his outstanding commitment to Australian primary healthcare, Prof Kidd was acknowledged in the 2009 Queens Birthday Honours List for his service to medicine and education in the areas of general practice and primary healthcare.
Prof Kidd said he felt very honoured to learn he had been selected to receive the RACGP’s Rose-Hunt award.
“The RACGP has played an important part in my life, both professionally as a GP and academic, and personally through the many friendships I have made,” said Prof Kidd.
“General practice is at the heart of every community in Australia. It is a privilege to work as a member of a profession that promotes and supports the health and wellbeing of all people, and to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with others.”
For more information on GP14 – The RACGP’s annual conference for general practice, taking place from 9–11 October in Adelaide, visit the GP14 website.
Further information on the 2014 RACGP Awards can be found on the RACGP website.