Alumni

Over the last 60 years, human health has benefited from an explosion of discoveries and innovations in science and medicine. The foundations were laid by the maturing persistence of modern scientific method that had escaped centuries of carefully guarded ignorance. The industrial revolution yielded not only faster ways to spin cotton but also the means to see, hear and touch the inner human. Exponential growth in biotechnology has enabled earlier and faster diagnosis, more effective and less invasive treatments and deeply enhanced our understanding of pathophysiology.

Central to these advances has been the creation of a medical workforce that possesses the knowledge and skill to assess ill health, arrive at appropriate diagnoses and administer therapies that are known to be safe and effective. To deliver this care with empathy and respect, without limits placed by gender or creed, is the craft of a doctor. The Medical School at UWA was established to train, foster and enable these doctors. It has benefited from some fortunate ingredients. Each year, the students entrusted to the Medical School are among the brightest and most dedicated school leavers and post-grads in the country. Their commitment is matched by their compassion. An impressive array of academics and clinicians serve as their teachers and mentors. They have been integral to outstanding research discoveries that have improved the health of Australians and are recognised internationally. Our adjunct clinician teachers are the vital link between the practice of medicine and the teaching of medical students and junior doctors. Their dedication to this training is not because it brings great recognition or financial reward. It is a part of being a doctor. The Government and Health Department of Western Australia, along with the state’s hospitals and their staff, have partnered with UWA to support the creation and funding of academic positions to enhance clinical services, medical student teaching and junior doctor training. Alumni contributions to research funds and scholarships have enabled generations of students to learn and discover. A healthy WA relies on a strong relationship between such allies.

To continue this incredible progress in medicine, a number of challenges must be acknowledged. New technologies and therapies in medicine come at greater costs. Bioengineered devices and recombinant therapies are often vastly more expensive than simple molecules delivered in humble pills each day. The modern medical student faces an expansion of medical knowledge that will render half their texts obsolete by the time they graduate. Fortunately major opportunities also exist. Innovative teaching methods will enable small student groups to interact with teachers in spaces enhanced by portable devices and simulations. Research activity is now embedded in the MD course at UWA. Teaching infused by active researchers will challenge students to discover our next breakthroughs. Students will develop skills to evaluate the comparative value of a therapy so that quality of care is not sacrificed in cost-cutting. Fostering social awareness and political engagement will empower the next generation of doctors to work and advocate for better health outcomes for indigenous Australians and those disadvantaged by adverse life experiences or poor mental health. Health promotion and healthy ageing must be integral to our healthcare. The lessons learned in the successful campaigns to reduce cigarette smoking must not be forgotten when we assist those with other diseases of lifestyle.

For 60 years, the Medical School at UWA has served to advance the prosperity and welfare of the people of Western Australia.