Renowned kidney disease researcher and medicine leader, Professor Jonathan Craig of Flinders University, has been appointed to oversee the committee crucial to ensuring Australians can access new medical services, programs and healthcare technologies.

Professor Craig, Vice President and Executive Dean of the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders, will assume the role of Chair of the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) for a four-year term starting April 1, 2024.

The MSAC plays a pivotal role in advising the Australian Government on matters pertaining to the safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness of new medical services proposed for public funding. It also reviews and considers amendments to existing services funded through the Medical Benefits Scheme.

With an illustrious career as an internationally acclaimed paediatric nephrologist and clinical epidemiologist, Professor Craig brings a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and experience to his new role.

His dedication to improving health outcomes, particularly in clinical research in the identification, management, treatment, and prevention of chronic kidney disease, has made a significant impact, especially in children and Indigenous communities.

Professor Colin Stirling, Vice-Chancellor of Flinders University, congratulated Professor Craig on his appointment, highlighting the Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor’s leadership and expertise that have placed him at the forefront of health and medical research.

“The calibre of Professor Craig’s expertise and leadership in the medical field underscores his distinguished status as a highly respected clinician and scientist,” Professor Stirling said.

In addition to his role as Chair of MSAC, Professor Craig holds numerous advisory positions, including membership in the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Health Translation Advisory Committee, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, the Medical Services Advisory Committee, and Commonwealth Department of Health Life Savings Drug Program.

His past engagements include serving on the WHO expert review panel for Global Strategy and Plan of Action on Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property, the expert advisory group for the Structural Review of NHMRC’s Grant Program, and chairing the steering group of the Cochrane Collaboration.

Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon Mark Butler MP welcomed Professor Craig’s appointment, acknowledging the wealth of clinical and research experience he brings to the MSAC.