Otago honours leading medical alumni

The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka is honouring four of its leading medical graduates to mark a major milestone.

At an event in Dunedin to celebrate the Otago Medical School’s 150th anniversary, Chancellor Trish Oakley announced alumni Dame Margaret Sparrow, Professor Dinah Reddihough, Associate Professor Jioji Malani and Emeritus Professor David Gerrard will each be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science.

An honorary degree is one of Otago’s most prestigious awards, usually given to outstanding graduates or those who have made an exceptional contribution to the University. The degrees will be conferred at graduation ceremonies at a later date.

Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson is delighted to recognise the recipients.

“Marking 150 years of the Medical School is a fantastic opportunity to also celebrate the many excellent health specialists who started their careers here at Otago. Dame Margaret, Dinah, Jioji and David have all excelled in their chosen fields and we’re proud to call them alumni.”

Dame Margaret has made extraordinary contributions to sexual and reproductive health throughout her career as a family planning educator and reproductive rights advocate.

A trailblazer in the field, she pioneered contraception and abortion services for students and vasectomies for men.

She was one of the first doctors to prescribe the emergency contraceptive pill, and successfully campaigned for the introduction of legal and safe abortions in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Her work has had a profound impact on the health of women and families around the country.

Dame Margaret says she feels honoured to be acknowledged by Otago.

“Although in the 1950s and 60s there was inadequate education in sexual health, especially in the topics of contraception and abortion, the good basic training that I did receive enabled me to pursue a rewarding career in sexual and reproductive health,” she says.

“I have always been grateful for the opportunities provided by obtaining my medical degree from the University of Otago.”

Professor Reddihough is a paediatrician who was involved in the clinical care of children with disabilities, particularly cerebral palsy, for more than 30 years.

She is a leader in advancing knowledge about physical disability in childhood, and her work addresses the health and social inequities of young people with cerebral palsy.

Professor Reddihough says the honorary degree is an unexpected privilege.

“My work has been made possible because of my partnerships with many wonderful professionals over my career, and more especially with people with lived experience of disability, especially cerebral palsy, and their families who have inspired and encouraged me to do my best,” she says.

“The University of Otago holds a very special place in my heart. In the Medical School, the foundations of my ongoing work were established for which I shall always be grateful.

“I have treasured memories of my student days, the various teachers and lecturers, my classmates and the campus of which I was a part.”

Associate Professor Malani is a leading specialist in internal medicine who works tirelessly to advocate for those with kidney disease, particularly in the Pacific region.

Throughout his career, he established Fiji’s kidney dialysis unit which changed how the country treats the disease and assisted in a world-class gastroenterology programme that has revolutionised the approach and treatment of gastroenterological conditions.

As a Clinical Professor at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa he helped train 70 physicians for the Northern Pacific.

He also helped set up what is believed to be the first Postgraduate Medical Training programme in the Pacific region, which has been instrumental in upskilling and retaining doctors.

He has played a significant role in improving the health of the Pacific and is well-respected in the community.

Dr Malani says it is a profound honour to be acknowledged by an institution he holds in such high regard.

“My journey at the University of Otago as a medical student has been nothing short of transformative.

“The University's commitment to excellence is evident in both its academic offerings and the invaluable life skills it imparts.

“Reflecting on my journey, I am reminded of the support and inspiration I received from the University of Otago, which played a significant role in shaping my path.”

He has attended 12 Olympic Games as an athlete, team doctor, Chef-de-Mission and Medical Commissioner and three Rugby World Cups as Anti-Doping Commissioner.

His published research in sports medicine and science has made an impact nationally and internationally, particularly in the area of anti-doping.

He remains a consultant to several international medical committees.

Emeritus Professor Gerrard says the honorary degree isn’t just a celebration of his personal journey, but rather a reflection of the foundation provided by the University in shaping who he is today.

“I was fortunate to have been part of an inspiring academic community for over 40 years as an undergraduate, clinician and academic.

“Mentors, peers and colleagues shaped my time at Otago, and in return I trust I was able to share these values with students I was fortunate enough to work with and learn from. 

“I’m proud to be counted among the University’s distinguished alumni.”

Events celebrating the Otago Medical School’s 150th anniversary started yesterday and continue until Sunday.