Our own Professor of Paediatrics – Our day in the sun

2 April 2014

Dear Friends,

Over the past three years the University of Wollongong (UOW) has been working hand in hand with the local community to secure the region’s first Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health Research. This appointment is an incredible win for the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, thanks to the ongoing support of our local Clubs and many business leaders in the community.

UK-trained Professor Ian Wright, an internationally regarded medical researcher and neonatal specialist, took up his appointment with UOW’s Graduate School of Medicine (GSM), the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) and the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) on 1 July 2013, and is now playing a leading role in paediatric care in the region.

It is our pleasure to announce Ian’s role (Professor of Paediatrics) has now received core funding at the University. Ian has and will be working closely with Dr Susie Piper and her team at Wollongong, Shellharbour and Shoalhaven Hospitals caring for our sick children. He also is now an integral part of the teaching program at UOW Wollongong and Shoalhaven Campuses teaching high level paediatric care to 320 young future doctors.

This is a team effort and although our goal of a Professor of Paediatrics is now a secured position, I still urge this fantastic community to continue to support Ian and Susie financially to achieve world class health care for our children.

I, Professor Jones, would also like to take this opportunity to personally thank Leigh Stewart and Susan Wallis for their dedication on this project. This announcement has also given Leigh the opportunity to work on other goals within our community and indeed on a State and National level. I wish him well in all future endeavours.

Yours sincerely,

Professor Alison Jones

Acting Executive  Dean

Faculty of Science, Medicine & Health

University of Wollongong