New Dean and Head of Adelaide Medical School

The University of Adelaide has appointed Professor Danny Liew as the new Dean and Head of the Adelaide Medical School.

Professor Liew (FRACP PhD), who will take up his new role on 4 January 2022, is currently the Deputy Head of School (Education and Enterprise), Director of the Centre for Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics and Chair of Clinical Outcomes Research at the Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. 

He is also a Consultant Physician in General Medicine at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. From 2010 to 2015, he was the Chair of Clinical Epidemiology and Director of the Melbourne EpiCentre at the University of Melbourne and Head of General Medical Unit 1 at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

“What an exciting time to be arriving at the Adelaide Medical School and the Central Adelaide Local Health Network, with all that’s going on at Adelaide Biomed City and the University ecosystem more broadly,’’Professor Danny Liew, Dean and Head of the Adelaide Medical School.

 Professor Liew's research capacity and interests lie in clinical epidemiology, health services research, and health economics. He is also passionate about education, training, and mentorship, and is involved in all levels of medical education—from undergraduate and postgraduate coursework to postdoctoral fellowships and professional development. He consults to state and federal governments, governments overseas, and the health care industry. He is currently a Director of the National Ageing Research Institute.

In the new role, Professor Liew will take strategic and operational leadership of the Adelaide Medical School, building on its rich 136-year history to forge a bold new future. The new Adelaide Medical School will generate knowledge that transforms health care, provide world-class training for clinicians and health academics, and advocate for the health and wellbeing of all people. Under Professor Liew’s stewardship, Adelaide Medical School will consolidate and foster strategic partnerships, especially with other schools in the Faculty and University, Local Health Networks, SAHMRI, government, and the many other stakeholders in South Australia’s healthcare sector.

“Professor Liew’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Adelaide Medical School, with the launch of our new Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine in 2022, and a burgeoning health and medical research agenda,” Professor Benjamin Kile, Executive Dean, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences said. 

“In addition to his track record in clinical care, education and research, Professor Liew brings enormous energy and vision to the role, and a genuine commitment to community health.
 
“What an exciting time to be arriving at the Adelaide Medical School and the Central Adelaide Local Health Network, with all that’s going on at Adelaide Biomed City and the University ecosystem more broadly,’’ Professor Liew said.

“I am really looking forward to working with terrific people in world-class facilities, and am humbled by the opportunity. My mother is an alumnus of the Adelaide Medical School, so there’s a historical and sentimental link for me also.”

Professor Liew will be partly employed by the Central Adelaide Local Health Network, where he will undertake clinical work and help drive collaborative research and capacity building in research.

CALHN CEO Professor Lesley Dwyer said the Professor Liew’s appointment will further collaboration between the Central Adelaide Local Health Network and Adelaide’s research community. 
 
“Our combined ability to attract bright minds like that of Professor Liew is testament to the culture of innovation that we have fostered and developed in this unique medical and health precinct,” said Professor Dwyer.  
  
“We look forward to seeing the research and collaboration Professor Liew will drive in key health areas that will ultimately result in better outcomes for our patients and the community.”