Distinguished Service Medal

Definition and Eligibility

The ARA Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) is awarded to an ARA Member for distinguished and exceptional service to the Australian Rheumatology Association and the rheumatology community. The DSM recognises individuals who, through their service over time, have ensured the growth and positioning of rheumatology in Australia in areas such as professional and clinical service and/or leadership, teaching and training, education, research, advocacy and policy.

Retired members are eligible to be nominated for the DSM.  

Supplementary information on the DSM criteria is available here.

Value

A medal plus certificate of acclamation signed by the ARA President will be presented at ARA ASM Conference Dinner by the President.

Awarded

Annually, up to 2 awards may be awarded.

Application Process

To be eligible for the ARA DSM the member needs to be nominated by three current members of the ARA. 

The nominations will be considered by the ARA Award Committee consisting of:

  • ARA President
  • Three past Presidents of ARA (chosen by the President and Vice President)
  • A senior physician from another sub-specialty who is not an ARA member (chosen by the President and Vice President)

Where possible, the DSM Award Committee should be balanced according to gender.

How to Nominate: Send a letter of nomination signed by three (3) members of the ARA and a copy of the nominee’s CV to:

The Honorary Secretary
Australian Rheumatology Association
PO Box 870
LEETON NSW 2705
Via email:  ara@rheumatology.org.au 

The deadline for submissions is Sunday 9 March 2025.

Past Recipients

2024 Helen Cooley
2023 Rachelle Buchbinder and Philip Robinson
2022 Lyn March
2021 Not awarded
2020 Geoffrey Littlejohn and Louis McGuigan
2019 Jack Edelman
2018 Susan Read and Raymond White
2015 James Bertouch
2014 Kathleen Tymms
2013 Prue Manners
2012 Ken Muirden
2011 Stephen Milazzo and Laurence Clemens
2010 John Hamilton
2009 Leslie Cleland and John Edmonds
2008 Andrew Brook
2007 Peter Brooks and Julien de Jager
2006 Bryan Emmerson
2005 John Hassall and Ray Robinson
2004 John B Webb
2001 Brian Corrigan and John York