Australia’s Best Health Journalism Recognised (Joint media release)

Medicines Australia chairman Will Delaat today congratulated Paul Smith, of Australian Doctor, on winning the 2009 Medicines Australia Health Journalist of the Year Award.

Mr Smith was named as one of the four category winners for his story Why aren’t they screaming? in Australian Doctor. His prize as overall winner is a study tour to the United States with a focus on the health industry.

The Awards were presented by the Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon MP at the National Press Club, immediately prior to Mr Delaat’s address to the Club.

“I congratulate Paul and all the category winners,” Mr Delaat said.

“Australia is well served by an especially high standard in health journalism and Medicines Australia is very pleased to continue its support for these prestigious awards.”

The annual Excellence in Health Journalism Awards is hosted by the National Press Club of Australia. National Press Club President Ken Randall said “Paul Smith’s powerful article dealing with end-of-life patient treatment raises confronting ethical and practical issues for policy makers and the lay public, as well as health professionals.”

Mr Randall also thanked the awards corporate supporters – Medicines Australia as Awards Principal sponsor, Pfizer Australia, CSIRO, Australian General Practice Network and Pharmacy Guild of Australia as supporting sponsors.

The full list of winners is:

BEST NEWS FEATURE / ARTICLE OR PRESENTATION

Health, Health Sciences or Innovation

Tory Shepherd – Adelaide Advertiser, My Mary thought she would be cured: Tough questions for alternative medicine

BEST DOCUMENTARY OR DOCUMENTARY SERIES

Health, Health Science or Innovation

Mark Horstman and Dr Holly Trueman – ABC TV Catalyst, Monkey Malaria

BEST FEATURE / ARTICLE OR PRESENTATION

Health Policy, Health Economics and Health Business

Dr Maryanne Demasi – ABC TV Catalyst, Clearing the Fog

BEST NEWS FEATURE / ARTICLE OR PRESENTATION

For reporting on Health, Health Science or Innovation directed to medical professionals

Paul Smith – Australian Doctor, Why aren’t they screaming?

HEALTH JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

Awarded to the most outstanding entry among the winners of the previous four categories

Paul Smith – Australian Doctor

Media Enquiries:

Maurice Reilly
Chief Executive
Ph: +61 2 61212152 (direct)
Mob: +61 0415 738 473
Email: ceo@npc.org.au