ASSOCIATE Professor Kelvin Kong has been awarded the prestigious Menzies Medallion - the highest award offered by the Menzies School of Health Research.
Australia's first Aboriginal surgeon, and the Hunter's highly acclaimed ear, nose and throat surgeon, was recognised for his leadership in Aboriginal health service delivery, advocacy and research - in particular his work to improve ear health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
The Worimi man from Port Stephens - a surgeon specialising in paediatric and adult otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) also lectures in allied health at the University of Newcastle.
Associate Professor Kong is the chief investigator for the Menzies-led Centre for Research Excellence in Ear and Hearing Health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children.
He participates in a project group at the Hunter Medical Research Institute carrying out research, and is also the joint chair of the Hearing for Learning Initiative - a community-based training initiative focusing on prevention through early detection of ear issues in young children.
Menzies director Professor Alan Cass was delighted the award was presented to someone who had made such a contribution to improving hearing outcomes for Indigenous children.
His work has had a profound and measurable impact.
Professor Alan Cass, director of the Menzies School of Health Research, on the Menzies Medallion being awarded to Associate Professor Kelvin Kong.
"Kelvin brings passion, energy and expert skills as a surgeon and researcher to improve ear health in remote, rural and urban communities," Professor Cass said.
"Kelvin has a strong and clear voice in advocacy to close the gap in educational and social disadvantage associated with the high prevalence of otitis media (OM) and hearing loss in Australian Indigenous children."
"Kelvin has been instrumental in raising awareness of ear health problems in the Australian community and bringing this issue to the attention of governments.
"His work has had a profound and measurable impact."
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