Western Sydney University appoints new Dean of Medicine
Western Sydney University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Rod McClure as its new Dean of the School of Medicine.
A highly respected clinician, with a PhD in epidemiology, Professor McClure joins the University from the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, where he is currently the Senior Specialist in Public Health Medicine and Executive Director of the Sunshine Coast Health Institute.
Professor McClure was previously Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Health, at the University of New England, and has been the director of several research institutes.
He will officially commence in the role in October taking over from Distinguished Professor Annemarie Hennessy AM, who concludes her term as Dean of the School of Medicine after 12 years of exemplary service.
Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, Professor Clare Pollock, said Professor McClure is an outstanding clinician and medical educator who will build on the strong foundations set by Professor Hennessy.
“Professor McClure’s extensive professional knowledge, strategic leadership and strong background in medical education will be invaluable. His expertise will only serve to strengthen the School’s reputation for its innovative teaching and learning, world-leading research and deep engagement with our local communities,” said Professor Pollock.
“Our School of Medicine plays a critical role in training much-needed doctors for Western Sydney’s hospitals and healthcare services who are from the region and have a first-hand understanding of its often complex health challenges. It is also integral to helping train more doctors for Australia’s rural and regional areas, who have unique knowledge and experience of delivering rural health care.
“We are delighted to have Rod join our School of Medicine and lead it through this next important chapter – ensuring the School continues to have a long and lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of our local communities well into the future.”
Commenting on his appointment, Professor McClure said:
“I am delighted to be joining the School of Medicine at Western Sydney University. It is a vibrant institution placed within one of the most dynamic regions in the country. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues, students and alumni within the School of Medicine, the University and Western Sydney more broadly.”
Professor Pollock thanked Distinguished Professor Annemarie Hennessy for her dedicated service to the School and University.
“Distinguished Professor Hennessy has been an important senior leader for the University during her tenure as Dean and our Cluster Pro Vice-Chancellor Health and Medicine. Highly respected and warmly regarded, she has been a caring and reassuring presence who is deeply connected to our student and staff community,” said Professor Pollock.
“An exceptional medical professional and researcher, she has successfully led the School through major milestones in its history, including the opening of its multi-million dollar Macarthur Clinical School at Campbelltown Hospital, the launch of the School of Rural Medicine and the Joint Program in Medicine delivered in partnership with Charles Sturt University.
“Her leadership was highly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. She played a vital role for the University by calmly and expertly communicating evidence-based information regularly to our students and staff to help keep them safe. She was also instrumental in working with our local health district partners to ensure our medical students were on the frontline to help deliver vaccinations to our local communities.
“On behalf of the University community, we wish Annemarie well and thank for her service and passionate advocacy for the western Sydney region and its people. We are delighted that she will continue to have an ongoing role.”
ENDS
14 July 2023
Latest News
ABC RN transcript: Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams discusses higher education sector, student support, and the impact of AI
The following is a transcript of an interview that aired on ABC Radio National Saturday Extra between presenter, Nick Bryant and Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.
Western Sydney University are the number one Australian solar car team at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
Western Sydney Solar Car team has crossed the finish line placing preliminarily sixth in the world overall, and the number one Australian team in the world’s most prestigious solar car challenge.
Western Sydney University Statement on Cyber Incidents
Western Sydney University has issued an update to its community following confirmation that previously stolen personal information was published online, including on the dark web.