Message from the Head of School

I am excited and honoured to have commenced as Head of the Melbourne Medical School on October 22. I also feel some weight of responsibility to maintain the MMS's position as the leading Medical School in the nation, in a climate of rapidly increasing healthcare demands, State and Federal Health budget pressures, and growing public and student expectations.
The MMS will need to be proactive in anticipating future societal trends and adapt its educational offerings and research activities accordingly. Key attributes of a successful organisation are collaboration, cooperation and reduction in "waste". The MMS is perfectly positioned to work in this capacity and capitalise on opportunities with key partners, affiliated organisations, staff and alumni, locally and globally. I am very keen to consult widely to jointly determine the future of the MMS. Through harnessing the prodigious talents of our students, staff and alumni, I am confident we will be successful.
I look forward to my first few months in the position, meeting staff and students across our diverse campuses. I will have the privilege of participating in our upcoming alumni reunion weekend, graduations, and being part of the joy (and disappointment) of the grant results "season". I acknowledge and thank many colleagues who have already helped me to settle in to my new clinical, teaching and research roles.
Finally, I warmly thank Professor Mark Cook for leading the School so capably over the past few months, and for his terrific "handover" which was very much appreciated.