A Northern Health Board Director and doctor have received acknowledgement in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours.
Dr Sherene Devanesen AM, Board Director, and Dr Amanda Baric AM, Deputy of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, have received the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division.
The Order of Australia is the nation’s recognition for outstanding achievement and service, and recipients were announced last Tuesday by Governor-General David Hurley.
Dr Devanesen received the acknowledgement for significant service to community health through governance and administrative roles.
Northern Health Board Chair Jennifer Williams said Dr Devanesen was a ‘valued colleague.’
“Appointed to the Northern Health Board on 1 July 2021, Sherene is a medical practitioner with over 30 years’ experience in the management of health services and medical administration in Victoria,” she said.
“This experience has provided her with a strong reputation in consumer consultation and engagement, and in achieving quality outcomes for human and community services.
“Sherene is a valued colleague and has made significant contributions during her tenure on the Northern Health Board. I value her advice and expertise, and sincerely congratulate her on this significant achievement.”
Dr Baric claimed her AM for outstanding service to pain medicine and tertiary education.
Dr Jake Geertsema, Director of Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, said Dr Baric’s dedication was evident to all who knew her.
“Whether it’s teaching medical students, developing educational programs in many places – even so far as Mongolia or Myanmar – or providing exceptional anaesthesia care to her patients, she approaches everything she does with incredible passion and energy,” he said.
“Her contributions were rightfully acknowledged in 2022 when ANZCA awarded her the Robert Orton medal (the highest award the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists can bestow on its fellows), and this latest recognition only reinforces the impact she has made.”
Chief Executive Siva Sivarajah congratulated both on receiving the significant honour.
“This is a well-deserved acknowledgment of many years of service from both Sherene and Amanda in their respective fields, and of the positive impacts in our community. Congratulations,” he said.
