Westmead heavyweights confirmed as legends of health

Westmead Hospital’s reputation as a breeding ground for stellar talent has been reaffirmed, with two senior clinicians receiving prestigious national recognition from a major health body.

Westmead Hospital’s Professor Jacob George and Professor Jeremy Chapman AC have received the rare honour of being inducted as Fellows in the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences.

The clinicians were amongst 49 selected for their outstanding leadership and contributions to health and medical science in Australia this year. There are only 321 Fellows in Australia.

Those selected for Fellowship have demonstrated distinguished professional achievements and significant involvement with issues of health care, prevention of disease, education and research.

Fellows of the Academy will have access to resources to further health research, conduct studies, and consider health policy issues.

Professor George is the head of the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Professor of Hepatic Medicine at the University of Sydney. He is also the director of the Storr Liver Centre at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research and Westmead Hospital.

Professor George’s research is focused on liver disease, with specific themes in liver cancer, viral hepatitis, host genetics and liver disease, liver fibrosis, fatty liver disease and pharmacogenomics. He has over 350 peer reviewed research publications and more than 25,000 citations.

Professor George said he was honoured to be inducted.

“Australia has an enviable health care system which in no small measure is underpinned by excellence in health and medical research seeking to improve patient outcomes,” Prof George said.

“Going forward, the challenge for the next generation is to maintain and enhance what we have inherited from our predecessors.”

Professor Jeremy Chapman AC has played significant roles in development of kidney, pancreas and unrelated Bone Marrow Transplantation in Australia.

He has been responsible for improving global ethical transplantation through The Transplantation Society, the World Marrow Donor Association and as an Expert Advisor to the World Health Organisation.

He is identified as one of the most influential global leaders in the field of clinical transplantation.

Professor Chapman said he was pleased to have represented Westmead Hospital on the national stage.

“Westmead is one of the great engine rooms for improvement of healthcare for the community, not only in Australia but also globally.

“The Academy represents a major force in Australian Healthcare improvement and innovation at all levels and it is a great honour to be offered the chance to contribute to this effort.”

Western Sydney Local Health District chief executive Danny O’Connor congratulated the eminent clinicians.

“Jacob and Jeremy represent the strength and capacity of medical science at Westmead Hospital. The benefits of their work in science and medicine are enjoyed locally and internationally.

“There is no question these clinicians will continue to make major contributions to improving the health and wellbeing of our community and beyond.”