Emeritus Professor John Chalmers, Professor Nicola Spurrier and Professor Jonathan Craig 

The College of Medicine and Public Health was delighted to host Professor Nicola Spurrier, Chief Public Health Officer, SA Health, for the 2020 Chalmers Oration. In this Oration, Nicola shared some insights into her experiences, who she looked to for advice and inspiration, as well as what we’ve learnt and what we don’t want to lose after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Watch the full Oration on YouTube here.

About the Chalmers Oration

The annual Chalmers Oration commemorates the work of John Chalmers AC who was the first Professor of Medicine (1975-1996) at the Flinders Medical Centre and the College of Medicine and Public Health. John had a major influence on the development of our medical school and our major teaching hospitals, Flinders Medical Centre and Repatriation General Hospital, Daw Park.

About Professor Nicola Spurrier

Professor Spurrier was employed by Flinders University from 1998 to 2010 (Paediatrics and Child Health) and has held Academic Status with the College of Medicine and Public Health since 2011. As South Australia’s Chief Public Health Officer, Professor Spurrier has become a household name around the State, and to many Australians nationwide. With responsibility for South Australia’s public health and communicable disease issues, she has kept many of us informed on a daily basis with factual, considered information and directives about the coronavirus pandemic.

Nicola is a dual qualified Medical Specialist, Public Health Physician and Paediatrician, with 30 years’ experience within SA Health.

Nicola has specialised in developing and implementing policies and programs across child health, obesity prevention and Aboriginal health. She also has extensive experience in health protection and promotion, public health partnership and health diplomacy activities.

In April 2020, the University awarded her Academic Status at the level of Professor