Congratulations to Dr Amanda Baric, Deputy Director, Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, who was awarded the Robert Orton Medal, the highest award The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) can bestow on its Fellows.

The Robert Orton Medal was established in 1967 to recognise distinguished service to anaesthesia, perioperative medicine and/or pain medicine, above and beyond the clinical setting.

Dr Jake Geertsema, Director, Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, said, “Amanda’s commitment to improving the lives of patients extends well and truly beyond Northern Health, and even Australia.”

“Alongside Associate Professor David Pescod AO, Mandy has been instrumental in improving anaesthetic care and medical education – benefiting countless patients in Mongolia and other countries in Southeast Asia. It was therefore fitting that David was given the honour of handing the medal to Mandy.”

Associate Professor David Pescod AO, in his presentation said, “Amanda’s enthusiasm, commitment and graciousness, has inspired and empowered colleagues in resource poor countries – especially her female counterparts. Amanda embodies the fundamentals of the Robert Orton Medal. She has, and continues, to demonstrate outstanding service – internationally, nationally and to our local community.”

Northern Health’s Chief Medical Officer, Associate Professor Wanda Stelmach said, “How amazing, but not totally surprising – Mandy has always worked above and beyond what anyone expects. Congratulations Mandy.”

Jennifer Williams AM, Northern Health’s Board Chair when adding her congratulations said, “No doubt you get your own satisfaction from this work, but it is remarkable enough to get this honour bestowed on you by your College. A great credit to you. Congratulations again.”

Dr Baric was previously recognised by The Order of the Polar Star, the highest civilian honour the Mongolian Government can confer. You can read the story here.

Amanda stated, “It is great to be recognised, but I need to acknowledge that it was not just me – it was mostly the Department of Anaesthesia, here at the Northern that’s been doing this work. Northern Health has been really generous with its support.”

“I am very grateful that the College of Anaesthetists has recognised that many of our Fellows don’t just work in their home country and hospital and have a commitment in other parts of the world.”

“One of the motivators for me has been making the world just slightly better in a small way. I am hoping that other people will be motivated by that, to just chip away.”

“There’s a lot of things that are going bad in the world, and it’s nice to know that some things can go well.”