Great moments in medicine

Alumni

It's a celebration 125 years in the making.

One of South Australia's biggest ever gatherings of medical professionals will take place next month to commemorate 125 years of medical programs at the University of Adelaide.

A gala dinner will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Saturday 4 September to mark the 125th anniversary of the University's Medical School.

One of the highlights of the gala dinner will be the presentation to prominent medical graduate Associate Professor Bill Griggs AM ASM of his Distinguished Alumni Award from the University for services to his profession and the broader community.

The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Justin Beilby, said Dr Griggs's Distinguished Alumni Award was richly deserved.

"As the Head of Trauma Services at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Dr Griggs was heavily involved in the treatment of victims from disasters such as the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, and the 2002 and 2005 Bali Bombings," Professor Beilby said.

"He has also invented a surgical instrument and associated technique for performing a type of tracheostomy that is now known as the 'Griggs Technique'.

"Dr Griggs embodies the type of medical graduate the University of Adelaide continues to produce - one who not only has a considerable impact on improving the lives of others but who also makes an outstanding contribution to the medical profession itself."

The gala dinner will cap off a week of activities beginning on Monday 30 August, including a specially commissioned art show, A Day In The Life Of Medicine.

The exhibition, located in Bonython Hall from 31 August to 2 September, will feature works of significant South Australian medical professionals, brought to life by artists-in-residence Avril Thomas and Meg Brassil.

Other events occurring during the week include:

• Special guest lectures from the likes of Baroness Susan Greenfield (internationally regarded brain expert) and Professor Ian Gilmore (President of the Royal College of Physicians in London);
  
• A postgraduate research expo showcasing the breadth of research currently undertaken at the University; and
  
• The Florey Foundation Golf Day on Thursday 2 September, featuring guest speaker Kerry O'Keeffe and renowned chef Andrew Fielke.

Other medical milestones to be celebrated this year include the 90th birthday of the Dental School and 15 years of teaching within the Discipline of Nursing.

For more information about Medicine 125 celebrations, including booking tickets to events, visit: www.health.adelaide.edu.au/medicine125

Story by Ben Osborne

For more information about Development and Alumni activities visit Open Day Sunday 15 August.