28/10/22 - Internationally regarded Indigenous medical doctor and researcher delivers 2022 Wesfarmers and Harry Perkins Institute Oration.
For over 20 years, Professor Alex Brown (Yuin Nation) has established an extensive and unique research program focused on chronic disease in vulnerable communities, with a particular interest in outlining and overcoming health disparities.
Currently the Aboriginal Health Equity Theme Leader at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, and Professor of Medicine at the University of Adelaide, Professor Brown is an internationally leading Aboriginal clinician/researcher who has worked his entire career in Aboriginal health.
He is recognised for his work in Aboriginal health in the provision of public health services, infectious diseases and chronic disease care, health care policy and research.
Professor Peter Leedman AO, Director of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research said, “With a PhD on depression and heart disease in Aboriginal men, Professor Alex Brown will provide a fascinating oration.”
“He is an important contributor to health policy and in setting the agenda in Aboriginal cardiovascular disease management in Australia,” he said.
Professor Brown trained in medicine at the University of Newcastle, before working in hospitals on the central coast on NSW. He subsequently travelled to Israel to complete a Master of Public Health and returned to Australia to begin work in Alice Springs, where he spent 14 years, first managing the local Centre for Disease Control in Alice Springs, controlling outbreaks of disease, immunisation programs and the surveillance of disease, before working in health research focusing on heart disease and diabetes in Aboriginal people.
Throughout his medical career he has been involved in policy engaging governments and lead agencies in setting the agenda in Aboriginal cardiovascular disease management and control and chronic disease policy more broadly. He sits on a range of national committees, and co-chairs the Indigenous Research Health Fund through the MRFF.
Professor Alex Brown is also the Professor of Indigenous Genomics at the Telethon Kids Institute and the Australian National University. To attend this free event at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research on Tuesday 8 November at 6pm register at:
Pictured: Professor Alex Brown
Media Contacts: Miriam Borthwick
M 0437 411 683
E media@perkins.org.au