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Rural advocate recognised for outstanding career

11 March 2009

Associate Professor Ian Pettigrew

Associate Professor Ian Pettigrew from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology has received a President's Medal, the highest individual award bestowed by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Associate Professor Pettigrew, who is attached to the Mildura Regional Clinical School, has had a long and outstanding career in medicine.

After graduating from the University of Melbourne in 1968, Professor Pettigrew went on to complete obstetrics and gynaecology training in 1977. He practiced in many rural settings in Victoria including Hamilton (1977-1984) and Warrnambool (1984–2002).

Associate Professor Pettigrew said it was an honour to be given an award "by your colleagues for things you like doing."

"I will go about doing what I have done for the last 30 years and continue to pursue a career in regional areas," Associate Professor Pettigrew said.

"I will also continue to campaign for the medical needs of country towns and encourage young doctors to consider a move to regional areas."

Associate Professor Pettigrew said the biggest challenge facing the rural sector was the recruitment of medical, nursing and para-medical staff.

"The medical workforce is ageing, particularly the obstetrics and gynaecology workforce and there is the same problem with midwives," Associate Professor Pettigrew said.

"State and Federal government need to take action to ensure that all students receive high-quality medical education and have postgraduate positions made available."