Congratulations to Monash Health Alumni Robyn McLeod AM, the late Jacob Goldstein AM, Christine Rodda AM, Bassir Qadiri OAM, and Denise Heinjus OAM for their well-deserved recognition in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list.
The honours recognise Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement.
We are so proud of our former team members for their contributions and significant impacts at local, national and international levels.
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
Jacob Goldstein AM became a Member of the Order of Australia for significant service to medicine as a cardiothoracic surgeon, and as a surgical mentor.
Jacob’s colleagues and students gave him the moniker “the godfather of cardiothoracic surgery,” having performed over 10,000 operations throughout his stellar career.
Between 1994 and 2001, Jacob headed the cardiothoracic unit at Monash Health. He was also the supervisor of cardiothoracic training from 1989 to 2017, training over 20 Australian cardiothoracic surgeons and hundreds of junior medical staff. He was also instrumental in the introduction of many new and innovative techniques, helping to significantly improve patient outcomes before retiring in 2021.
We encourage everyone to read a beautiful piece penned by Jacob’s daughter, Elissa, published in The Age regarding her late father.
Robyn McLeod AM, a former Monash Health Board Member (2019-2022), was recognised for her significant service to the community through social welfare and governance roles.
A/Prof Christine Rodda AM, the former Head of Paediatric Endocrinology (1999-2012) at Monash Health, awarded for her significant service to paediatric endocrinology, medical research, and tertiary education.
Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Bassir Qadiri OAM, a former Monash Health Interpreter and Translator (2010-2022), was recognised for service to the multicultural community of Victoria.
Denise Heinjus OAM, a former Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery at Monash Health, for service to nursing.
Again, congratulations to all recipients of King’s Birthday Honours and thank you for your outstanding efforts to improve local communities and make Australia a better place.
