New Board appointed to CDU Menzies School of Medicine

Charles Darwin University (CDU) has announced a new Strategic Board for the CDU Menzies School of Medicine.

Professor Len Notaras AO has been appointed chairperson, recognised for his work as Executive Director of the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre.

Ms Donna Ah Chee and Mr John Paterson have been appointed as co-chairs. Ms Ah Chee is the CEO of the Central Australia Aboriginal Congress and Mr Paterson is the CEO of the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT (AMSANT).

Other board members include:

• Dr Sam Goodwin, Executive Director of Medical and Clinical Services Alice Springs Hospital and Central Australia Health Service
• Dr Jeremy Chin, Head of Women’s, Children and Youth Health Services at Darwin and Palmerston Hospitals
• Prof Bart Currie, Public Health Physician, Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies)
• Dr John Boffa, NT Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Central Australia Aboriginal Congress
• Ms Jo Norton, Deputy Chief Executive, Department of Health, NTG Assoc
• Prof Marco Briceno, Medical Director, NT Rural Generalist Pathway Coordination Unit
• Mick Gooda CEO, Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education
• Prof Alan Cass AO, Director, Menzies School of Health Research
• Prof Dominic Upton, Dean, College of Health and Human Sciences at CDU
• Prof Di Stephens OAM Foundation Dean, CDU Menzies School of Medicine
• Dr Kiarna Brown, Aboriginal Health Clinician and Menzies School of Health Research

The Strategic Board has been established to advise the School of Medicine, established on January 1, 2022, and its Governance Committee on matters relating to the development of a new medical program and to advocate and support its establishment.

The Board will provide strategic advice to the School of Medicine on the design of a medical program that is fit-for-purpose for the Northern Territory and Northern Australia, supporting links with potential partners and advising on an appropriate curriculum for the program.

CDU Menzies School of Medicine, Chairperson, Len Notaras said the members of the board had been appointed for their exceptional insight and expertise in the health sector in the Territory.

“It’s fantastic to see such a diverse and experienced Board appointed to manage the development of the CDU Menzies School of Medicine, which will bring a homegrown medical program to the Northern Territory,” Professor Notaras said.

“These individuals bring outstanding skills, knowledge, experience and diversity in corporate governance, especially within the Northern Territory’s health sector.”

Co-chair and Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT (AMSANT) CEO John Paterson said there was strong support from First Nations people and more broadly across the Northern Territory, including Alice Springs to see the CDU Menzies Medical School succeed.

“AMSANT is very excited to be part of a Consortium to design and develop a medical program that will provide an opportunity to home grow our own medical workforce,” Mr Paterson said.

“There is a wealth of experience on the Board to bring the School of Medicine to fruition.”

CDU Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman said the new board members bring first-class knowledge and expertise in a variety of fields.

“Professor Len Notaras is one of the Territory’s most respected medical leaders. We’re proud to have Professor Notaras as chair of a highly-skilled board charged with developing the highest standards to jointly deliver the CDU Menzies Medical Program,” Professor Bowman said.

“The Board features a broad mix of medical experts, health practitioners, clinicians, researchers and community members, that each have a unique set of skills and abilities. I look forward to seeing their contribution to the CDU Menzies School of Medicine.”

The first meeting for the Board was held on Thursday, February 3, 2022.