Hospital's teaching role 'must be kept'

Prof Rob Walker, who is stepping down as head of medicine at the Dunedin School of Medicine, ...
Prof Rob Walker, who is stepping down as head of medicine at the Dunedin School of Medicine, starts clearing redundant paperwork. Photo by Linda Robertson.

Dunedin Hospital's role as a teaching hospital must be preserved in the $300 million hospital redevelopment, University of Otago medicine department head Prof Rob Walker says.

Prof Walker (60) is stepping down as department head at the end of this month, but continues in his other roles.

It meant fewer meetings, and more time working as a nephrologist and for teaching and research, he said.

In the role for 17 years, he oversaw increased research output by fostering a supportive environment.

Research was integral to Dunedin Hospital as a teaching hospital, because it attracted top clinicians.

"My brief was to re-establish medicine as a vibrant academic department. We've increased our research profile dramatically.

"There is a number of dedicated researchers within the department, as well as the joint clinical staff.''

Eight years ago, medicine was re-established as its own department within the Dunedin School of Medicine after having been joined with the surgical department.

While most people expect the hospital to be rebuilt on the same site, nothing is certain.

If, for example, it shifted to Wakari, it would have "significant consequences'' for the medical school.

"It's very important that they maintain a university presence within the building.

"Any future planning must include a vision for the medical school to be actively involved within the clinical environment.''

While he views the rebuild as a "potential risk'', there seemed to be close talks between the university and the Southern District Health Board.

In certain quarters, the medical school is seen as a financial burden on the health board, but Prof Walker firmly disagrees with that view.

"They are in fact getting better value because they've got internationally recognised clinicians in Otago providing the best quality healthcare at the top of their fields.''

This was appreciated by the public.

"The community of Southland and Otago well recognise the expertise that is here and are very supportive, and we want them involved in our teaching

"The community recognises why we're here, and we appreciate the community's support of our students, and participation in our clinical studies.''

The participation rate in clinical research in Otago and Southland was among the highest in the world.

Prof Walker will hold on to the Mary Glendining Chair in Medicine, which is attached to the head of department position, after handing over to successor Associate Prof Michael Schultz on July 1.

"If [Michael] gets his promotion [to prof], he'll get it,'' Prof Walker joked.

eileen.goodwin@odt.co.nz

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