Bond University’s Dean of Health Sciences and Medicine, Professor Chris Del Mar, has been presented with the Rose-Hunt Award by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) for outstanding commitment to Australian general practice.
The RACGP’s most prestigious honour, the Rose-Hunt medal is named after two of the founding members of the College, Dr Fraser Rose and Dr John Hunt, and recognises the work of its recipient in promoting the aims and objectives of the College.
Professor Del Mar received the award in recognition of his visionary leadership, internationally recognised research and his remarkable commitment and dedication as an educator.
He was jointly presented the award together with Associate Professor Leanne Rowe of Monash University at the RACGP Annual Scientific Convention in Melbourne on Friday, October 3.
Outgoing RACGP President Dr Vasantha Preetham congratulated Professor Del Mar and Associate Professor Rowe and thanked them for their dedication and outstanding service to the College, to general practice and to the Australian community.
“The Rose-Hunt Award recognises outstanding individuals in Australian general practice; in this regard Professor Del Mar and Associate Professor Rowe are very worthy recipients of this important award," Dr Preetham said.
"Together their leadership has been inspiring and has returned much to the profession they have both shown such dedication to.
“Professor Del Mar has excelled as a researcher, an educator and a writer. His work has pushed the boundaries of Australian general practice.
“He is a visionary leader in our profession whose work is recognised internationally and has delivered for local GPs a broader understanding of testing in general practice, and the importance of evidence for the work that we do,” Dr Preetham said.
Professor Chris Del Mar:
Professor Chris Del Mar was appointed Dean of Health Sciences and Medicine at Bond University in 2004, and Pro-Vice Chancellor of Research in 2005.
He was Professor of General Practice at the University of Queensland 1995 – 2004, and was appointed Visiting Professor of General Practice at Oxford University in 2007.
He is also a Co-ordinating Editor of the international Cochrane Collaboration and was previously the Editor of the research section of the Australian Family Physician, Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) National Research Committee, and President of the Australian Association for Academic General Practice. He chairs the editorial committee of the Australian Government's health web portal, HealthInsite.
Professor Del Mar's outstanding research track record has lead to him being acknowledged as a leader in general practice research. His research interests include many aspects of general practice, including skin cancer management, preventive health, women's health, quality assurance, spontaneously remitting disease, medical records, and evidence-based medicine.
He is a highly cited author who has published over 200 research papers, reviews, book chapter and books.