New chair of orthopaedic surgery appointed

Deakin University today announced the appointment of Associate Professor Richard Page as its new Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery.

The position is to be known as the St John of God and Barwon Health Chair in Orthopaedic Surgery.

Professor Page is currently an Associate Professor at Deakin University's School of Medicine, Director of Orthopaedics at Barwon Health and a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at St John of God where he specialises in shoulder and upper limb surgery.

St John of God Hospital CEO, Stephen Roberts explained that the position represented a unique partnering approach between the region's leading education and healthcare organisations.

"The position provides an outstanding opportunity to develop the regions academic, clinical and research capability in orthopaedic surgery," he said.

"We are very excited that this position will make an enormous difference and delighted to have two great partners in Deakin University and Barwon Health.

"St John of God Healthcare has strong desire to continue growing its education and research in this region and nationally and this exciting Geelong based initiative increases our commitment to a total of 10 Academic Chair positions developed in partnership universities across Australia."

Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander said the University was delighted with Professor Page's appointment.

"This is an important role for the University and the Geelong region and provides a wonderful opportunity for Deakin to partner with St John of God and Barwon Health to strengthen health services locally and internationally," Professor den Hollander said.

"Professor Page has demonstrated a strong commitment to orthopaedic surgery research and training over a prolonged period, as well as a strong commitment to Geelong and to our region

"He already has an impressive national and international profile and we are confident that this will be considerably enhanced by this appointment.

"As Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery, Professor Page will contribute to Deakin's teaching, research and program development and to entrepreneurial activity in orthopaedics. He will also provide regional leadership in orthopaedic surgery and contribute to orthopaedic workforce planning to support communities in south west Victoria."

Barwon Heath Chief Executive, Professor David Ashbridge said: "This appointment is a further cementing of our role as a key provider in Victoria of medical training and is reflective of our role as a University aligned health service with a significant research footprint.

"It is also a clear indication of our commitment to partnerships and improving the health and research outcomes across the region."