ACMD launches National Assembly

Pictured from left: Sir Peter Cosgrove, Dame Quentin Bryce and Curtis McGrath

A group of high-profile Australians have thrown their support behind the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD) as the future of medicine.

The newly formed ACMD National Assembly will help raise awareness in the community around the life-changing work being done at Australia’s first, hospital-based biomedical engineering research centre, located at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne.

Former Governor-Generals, Sir Peter Cosgrove and Dame Quentin Bryce, and two-time Paralympian gold medallist and former soldier, Curtis McGrath, are among this esteemed group’s founding members.

Their focused efforts will highlight ACMD’s strengths as a global medical innovator, charged with bringing engineering and medicine together to fast-track much-needed solutions for patients suffering from chronic illness.

“We are proud to have the backing of these well-respected members of our community, who will play a key role as advocates for ACMD and the valuable work being done here using technology to change the way we deliver health,” says Dr Erol Harvey, CEO of ACMD.

Collaborative strengths

By harnessing the power of collaboration, ACMD provides the opportunity for Australia’s greatest medical and engineering minds to work together like never before, says Sir Peter Cosgrove.

“This work will not only positively impact patients and the community, it will revolutionise the way we bring medical discoveries into clinical practice,” he adds.

The ability to fuse technology and health to shape practical solutions for patients confronted by life-changing medical hurdles is something Curtis McGrath is keen to see grow and develop through ACMD.

Curtis, who lost both his legs in a mine blast while serving with the Australian Army in Afghanistan, says his life today would be very different if not for the wonders of medical advancement.

“I’m excited about the huge potential of the implants and devices that are being created through ACMD partnerships – they will truly transform lives,” he says.

Investing in the future

Dame Quentin Bryce believes one of ACMD’s unique strengths moving forward, and a key point of difference, is that it provides an ideal environment to nurture our future clinical, nursing, allied health and biomedical research leaders.

“The dedicated teaching hub embedded within the new Centre will provide an excellent learning and development setting,” she adds.

Learn more about ACMD