The outstanding contribution by Dr Arthur Van Deth to the success of a Flinders University postgraduate course in China has been acknowledged with a national award.

The International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) has awarded Dr Van Deth  (pictured with a group of Chinese graduates) the International Education Excellence Award for Best Practice/Innovation for his involvement in the Flinders University Master of Hospital Administration (MHA).

The awards are made annually to recognise good practice and celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams contributing to Australia’s reputation for quality and innovation in international education.

Since the MHA’s inception in 2003, Dr Van Deth, Director of International Programs in the Department of Health Care Management, has headed the administration of the course. The MHA has been recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education as among the best overseas programs of the hundreds offered in the country.

The course is run in conjunction with Nankai University in Tianjin, and taught in several Chinese cities.

Professor Dean Forbes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Communities) at Flinders, said the course has been highly influential, and counts numerous senior Chinese health administrators among its graduates.

“In running an overseas course of this quality, management of practical aspects is challenging and also absolutely vital. Dr Van Deth has shown great acumen and energy in administering this course for nearly a decade, and I congratulate him on his well-deserved award,” Professor Forbes said.