On the weekend, Flinders University proudly celebrated 50 years of our leading medical program, the first of its kind in Australia to be co-located with a hospital.

The milestone was marked by a spectacular event at Adelaide Oval, attended by distinguished guests including Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, Flinders alumni and current medical school graduates.

Artist Brad Blaze was on hand to produce some of his signature artwork, which was auctioned off to raise important funds for Indigenous Medical Student Support. Guests were also treated to a special performance by renowned rap artist J MILLA.

Her Excellency delivered an address to guests, highlighting the important role the Flinders Medical Program has played in the community.

“Tonight, we pay tribute to those educators, researchers, clinicians, administration staff, student mentors and others who have dedicated themselves to building a respected medical program, which now has more than 700 students.

I thank them all for their energy, passion, leadership and commitment to advancing medical care and inspiring each generation of graduates.”

The Governor also thanked Flinders for its commitment to serving regional and remote communities through regional training programs, before signing off.

“I wish the university all the best as it educates future doctors and produces world-class research, positively contributing to the lives of countless South Australians.”

Flinders University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling highlighted the rich history of the Flinders Medical Program, and paid tribute to the key players in getting the program off the ground.

“Just eight years after the founding of the University, we opened the doors of a brand new Medical School. And yes, it would do things differently.

Under the leadership of Professor Gus Fraenkel and later John Chalmers, Flinders would develop the first Medical School in the country that was embedded within a hospital, enabling an integrated model of patient care, teaching and research.”

Professor Stirling also spoke of the ongoing legacy of the University’s namesake, Captain Matthew Flinders.

“Captain Flinders once said that his “actions should speak to the world”. I think he’d be proud of the progress of the University that bears his name, and proud of the progress of its medical programme over its first 50 years.

Collectively, your endeavours and actions not only speak to the world, but speak loudly, making a very real difference in the lives of the people in our communities.”