8 October 2007
President of the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association a tireless worker
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma, has paid tribute today to Dr Mark Wenitong, retiring President of the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA).
“Dr Wenitong has worked tirelessly to improve the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia,” Commissioner Calma said.
Prior to becoming the President of AIDA, Dr Wenitong had already made an enormous contribution to Indigenous health as one of the primary authors of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Male Health Framework (1999).
As President of AIDA, Dr Wenitong worked tirelessly with the Deans of Medical Schools in Australia and New Zealand and the Australian Medical Council to ensure the Indigenous Health Curriculum Framework was adopted and implemented in Australian medical schools.
“What impresses me about the development of the Indigenous Health Curriculum Framework is that Indigenous people have worked with the Deans to further a common goal. AIDA and other Indigenous health organisations lead this project from its inception, and this is a significant contributing factor to its success,” Mr Calma said.
Mr Calma also acknowledged Dr Wenitong’s work on the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council and in relation to the ongoing Close the Gap campaign for Indigenous health equality within a generation.
Mr Calma wished Dr Wenitong all the best for the future working as Senior Medical Officer for the Apunipima Health Council in Cape York.
He also welcomed news that Dr Tamara Mackean has assumed the mantle of President of AIDA.
“I look forward to a long and productive working relationship with Dr Mackean, as I have enjoyed with Dr Wenitong,” he said.
Media contact: Louise McDermott (02) 9284 9851 or 0419 258 597
