One of Australia’s foremost experts in emergency medicine, Flinders graduate and professorial fellow Professor Chris Baggoley, has been appointed Australia’s Chief Medical Officer by the Federal Government.

Professor Baggoley was Director of Emergency Medicine at Flinders Medical Centre from 1990 to 1999 and lectured in the School of Medicine at Flinders from 1998 to 2002, prior to his appointment to the first chair of emergency medicine in South Australia. He was South Australia’s Chief Medical Officer from 2005 to 2007.

In addition to his Flinders medical degree, Professor Baggoley also holds a Bachelor in Social Administration from the University. He was appointed as a Professorial Fellow in the Faculty of Health Sciences last year.

Flinders Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Barber congratulated Professor Baggoley on his appointment as Chief Medical Officer.

“Professor Baggoley is one of Flinders University’s distinguished alumni and is a figure of immense standing in the medical community within Australian and internationally,” Professor Barber said.

Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Flinders, Professor Michael Kidd, said that through his multiple roles as clinician, teacher and senior administrator, Professor Baggoley had become one of the most influential figures in Australian public health.

“In addition to championing the development of postgraduate training in emergency medicine, he has made major contributions to the development of many national public health policies and strategies,” Professor Kidd said.

Professor Baggoley leaves his position as chief executive of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care to take up his new role as the Federal Government’s most senior medical adviser.