Professor David Tudehope AM
David Tudehope was Director of Newborn Services at Mater Mothers Hospital from 1977-2008 and has been Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health at University of Queensland since 2000.
A neonatal pioneer, David’s enthusiasm, dedication, leadership, and vision have steered Brisbane’s Mater Mothers Hospitals Neonatology Division into becoming the largest neonatal intensive and special care nurseries in the Southern Hemisphere. As well as setting up the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit 30 years ago, David also pioneered the transportation of sick and premature newborns from all over Queensland and established the multidisciplinary follow-up of cohorts of high risk infants.
A distinguished clinician and author, David has saved many young lives and, as Professor in Neonatal Paediatrics at the University of Queensland, has conducted research into outcomes of high risk infants and neonatal hearing, sepsis and haematology and encouraged others to explore new neonatal technologies. He has been Editor of Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health since 1994 and, in 1999, was made a member of the Order of Australia for his services to perinatal medicine. He inspires those around him with his positive spirit, his ever-present smile, compassion, and his enthusiasm for training doctors from Australia and overseas as highly skilled professionals in this crucial medical specialty.
Distinguished achievements/awards:
• Olympic Games Torch Bearer, 2000.
• Queensland Great, 2002.
• Centenary of Federation Medal, 2003.
• Bancroft Medal AMAQ, 2003.
• Queenslander of the Year – Finalist, 2007.
• Turner –Gibson Oration, 2008
• Vince-Hodda Oration, 2008.
• Australia Day Ambassador, 2010, 2011 & 2012.
• Honorary Member or Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand.