MEDIA RELEASE
23 November 2018
Today, at this year’s Annual General Meeting, Australian Pathology noted a changing of the guard with long-term President and Sullivan Nicolaides Pathologist Dr Nick Musgrave concluding his successful term as President and proudly passing the baton to incoming President, Mr Mark Neeham.
Australian Pathology Chief Executive Officer, Liesel Wett, said this announcement was a very positive outcome for the sector and for all Australians who access pathology services, with some 42.5 million services delivered each year.
“It is great to have someone of Mark’s calibre taking the reins as President for Australian Pathology. It builds on the work of Nick Musgrave towards ensuring there is a sustainable and vibrant pathology sector long into the future,” Ms Wett said.
Mark is an experienced strategist who joined the Australian Pathology Board when the consolidated peak body for private pathology practices, Australian Pathology, was formed earlier this year. Mark is currently the Group Executive, Government Relations and Chief of Staff for AP Member, Primary Health Care.
Ms Wett said pathology was an essential medical service underpinning a high-quality health system – and would continue to deliver for patients in the prevention and diagnosis of cancers through screening programs for bowel, cervical, breast and prostate cancers as well as in the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes.
As Australian Pathology members represent more than 95 per cent of private pathology delivered in Australia, it is important to remember that some 70 per cent of medical decisions and 100 per cent of cancer diagnoses relying on pathology tests. These services are essential in the management of most diseases, especially chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, hepatitis and HIV. Thus leading the peak body for private pathology in Australia becomes an important role.
“Dr Musgrave has successfully delivered for the Pathology sector in the time of his Presidency over the last four years. Australian Pathology is stronger for his leadership,” Ms Wett said.
“Australian Pathology member laboratories are critical to the successful implementation of healthcare diagnosis and management of disease in this country.
“Our new entity representing the large majority of private pathology practices, our role is to ensure all Australians continue to access quality pathology services in this country.”