Dr Robin Youngson, a New Zealand anaesthetist internationally renowned for his leadership in compassionate healthcare, was last night awarded the New Zealand Medical Association’s Chair’s Award.  Dr Youngson is the co-founder of Hearts in Healthcare, which is inspiring change in countries around the world. Appointments include the Editorial Board of the Journal of Compassionate Healthcare and the Global Compassion Council of the international Charter for Compassion. He’s also the author of the acclaimed book Time to Care – How to love your patients and your job.

Presenting the award, NZMA Chair Dr Stephen Child described Dr Youngson’s work over the past 12 years to advance caring and compassion in the medical profession. Receiving the award, Dr Youngson said he felt completely overwhelmed by the NZMA’s recognition of the importance of his work on compassion in caring. “It’s extremely gratifying to have your work and your cause acknowledged by your own peers, particularly in your own country,” he said. “Compassion really is the foundation of good medical practice.”

The Chair’s Award is the NZMA’s recognition of individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the health of New Zealand. Past recipients include Dr Paul Hutchison, Dr Russell Wills, Dr Sharad Paul, Professor Swee Tan and Dr Tony Fernando. At the same ceremony, NZMA Fellowships were awarded to consultant clinical microbiologist Dr Josh Freeman, a member of the NZMA’s Specialist Council; GP and former PHARMAC medical director Dr Peter Moodie; and former NZMA Chair Dr Mark Peterson.

This media release was originally sourced from NZMA.