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Associate Prof David Austin Recognised for Service to Intensive Care Medicine, Education and Sport

 

The College congratulates Associate Professor David Austin on being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division for service to intensive care medicine, medical education and sport, reflecting a career dedicated to leadership, teaching and patient care.

 

For over nearly three decades, David has held leadership roles in intensive care units across Australia and New Zealand, including 28 years as an Intensive Care Unit Director and 19 years serving in Queensland. His contributions have extended beyond clinical practice to governance, having served as Deputy Chair of a Hospital and Health Board, as well as playing a significant role in specialist training and assessment.

A passionate educator, David has trained intensive care registrars for 29 years and is proud that his trainees have among the highest pass rates for the CICM first part exam, with 2 Gillian Bishop medal winners among them. 

He has been closely involved with specialist examinations, serving as an examiner for both intensive care and anaesthesia colleges, and later became Chair of the CICM First Part Examination.

Beyond medicine, Associate Professor Austin has combined his commitment to healthcare with a lifelong passion for sport. He has served as Medical Director for Yachting New Zealand for 12 years and as a member of the Australian Sailing National Safety Committee for eight years.

Reflecting on his career, Associate Professor Austin describes intensive care medicine as both demanding and deeply rewarding.

“Intensive care is a busy, high-stress environment where we care for patients and families at what is often the most difficult time in their lives. It has been a privilege to be part of their care."

David also credits three influential mentors for the impact they had on his career: Dr Jack Havill, his first boss who taught him so much; Professor John Myburgh, whom he describes as the best clinician he worked for; and Professor Tubb Worthley, an exceptional teacher. They all taught him how to manage critically unwell patients and the values and standards critical in Intensive Care Medicine. 

This recognition reflects a lifetime of service to patients, trainees, the intensive care profession, and the broader community.

 

Pictured: Associate Professor David Austin AM

 

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Acknowledgement of Country

CICM acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Custodians of the lands across Australia on which our members live and work, and to their Elders, past, present and future. We pay respect to the Wurundjeri Peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which CICM’s office stands.

CICM acknowledges Māori as tangata whenua and Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) partners in Aotearoa New Zealand.