A new chair is elected, and a new CEO is coming. Plus, news from AAMRI and industry.
High-profile GP, Associate Professor Alam Yoosuff has been elected to be the new chair of Murrumbidgee PHN.
Professor Yoosuff described it as a “full-circle moment”.
“When I first [got] involved in what was the GP Division back in 2009, I had no idea that it would become my first steps into wider primary care advocacy and governance,” he said on LinkedIn.
“Over the years, that community — now Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) — has felt like family. Today, I’m deeply honoured to take on the role of chair of MPHN.
“To me, this isn’t just a new role — it’s a continuation of a shared journey with so many colleagues, mentors and friends.
“A start is given. Growth is made. Legacy is shared!”
Professor Yoosuff is a rural GP based in Finley, NSW and has extensive experience in public health, palliative care and emergency medicine. He is the principal GP at Finley Regional Care and GP/VMO at Finley Hospital and has been a director on the MPHN Board for seven years.
He acknowledged outgoing chair Dr Jodi Culbert, who stepped down after nine years on the board, including six as chair.
“Jodi’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping MPHN into the high-performing, community-centred organisation it is today,” Professor Yoosuff said.
“Her legacy includes stronger partnerships, bold innovation and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion. MPHN is a shining spot among other PHNs; her leadership and guidance created this.”
It’s not the only big news out of Murrumbidgee PHN.
CEO Stewart Gordon will step down in December to return to Queensland to be closer to his family, after 18 months in the role.
“It’s been an honour to work with such a dedicated team,” Mr Gordon said.
“I’ve learned so much from our communities, partners and staff, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.
“I leave confident that MPHN is well positioned to continue making a meaningful impact and delivering great outcomes for this region.”
New president for AAMRI
The Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes has named Professor Jason Kovacic as its new president, succeeding Professor Elizabeth Hartland, who will conclude her two-year term in December.
Professor Kovacic is the director and CEO of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and an internationally recognised clinician-scientist in cardiovascular medicine.
“It is an honour to take on the presidency and build on the tremendous work achieved under Professor Hartland’s leadership,” he said.
“AAMRI has been instrumental in advancing the national conversation on funding reform, research integrity and workforce stability.
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“We have a united and ambitious community, and I look forward to working with the board, members and government to secure a stronger, more sustainable future for Australian medical research.”
AAMRI also welcomed three new members to its board:
- Professor Ricky Johnstone, a leading figure in cancer epigenetics, is executive director of the Cancer Research at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and head of the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology at the University of Melbourne;
- Professor Maria Makrides is executive director of the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, a clinical nutritionist and NHMRC Leadership Fellow whose research has transformed national and international policy on maternal and infant health;
- Professor Ken Smith is director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, and is internationally recognised for his pioneering immunology research and translational work improving outcomes in immune-mediated disease.
They replace Professor Thomas Kay (St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research), Professor Fabienne Mackay (QIMR Berghofer), and Professor Kathryn North (Murdoch Children’s Research Institute).
Comings and goings
Clare Firth is now first assistant secretary at the Department of Health, Disability, and Ageing.
Medical imaging services provider Integral Diagnostics has announced Jason Martinez as its next CEO, succeeding outgoing boss Dr Ian Kadish who is retiring after nine years in the role.
Mr Martinez is currently executive general manager (NSW/ACT/WA) of I-MED Radiology Network.
Virtual pharmacist software provider MedAdvisor also has a new CEO, replacing outgoing incumbent Rick Ratliff. Coming in is John Ciccio, who served at MedAdvisor’s US business Adheris Health for 12 years.