Experts in the fields of medicine and psychology are among University of Queensland staff and alumni recognised in the 2022 Australia Day honours.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Deborah Terry AO congratulated all UQ awardees and thanked them for their contributions to the nation.
“The Australia Day Awards remind us of the depth and breadth of talented people who have been part of UQ over many years, as students, staff, supporters or professional partners,” Professor Terry said.
Professor Jane Turner said it was an “incredible honour” to be awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her two decades of work in the field of Psycho-Oncology.
“Psychiatry as a discipline has at its core the need to listen, to seek understanding and demonstrate kindness and tolerance,” Professor Turner said.
“I owe a debt of gratitude to those patients who have shared their deep personal thoughts and concerns over the years – it has enriched me as a person.”
Professor of Social and Organisational Psychology, Alex Haslam said he was “very excited” to receive an AM for his significant service to tertiary education, though research and mentoring.
Together with colleagues, Professor Haslam has written and edited 15 books and published more than 300 peer-reviewed articles.
“I see (the award) largely as recognition of work that our entire research group does to translate our research into practical outcomes, not just for students but for the community more generally,” Professor Haslam said.
Dr Margaret Kay was also recognised with an AM for her service to medicine, medical education, and migrant health.
A Senior Lecturer with the Faculty of Medicine, she has regularly contributed to the development of doctors’ health curriculum since it was first introduced in the 2007 RACGP Curriculum.
“I have not journeyed alone,” Dr Kay said.
“Having completed my medical studies and my PhD at UQ, it has been wonderful to share my passion for general practice, especially my work in doctors’ health and refugee health with the medical students.”
Professor Terry said to see UQ staff being recognised for their work in such critically important areas was truly inspiring.
Former UQ Deputy Chancellor, Dr Jane Wilson was made an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AO) for her distinguished service to business, government, health and aged care, and education.
Other UQ alumni to receive awards include gynaecologist and former Australian Medical Association President, Associate Professor Gino Pecoraro OAM for his services to medicine, and Professor Barbara Leggett AM, a title holder in the Faculty of Medicine.
And, second-year Doctor of Medicine student Jeremy Hunt was named Brisbane Young Citizen of the Year at the 2022 Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Awards for The VacSeen Project, which provides free flu vaccines to vunerable people at pop clinics across South-East Queensland.
