Noosaville resident Dr Christine McConnell is one of three Queensland doctors awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to medicine through a range of roles.
Dr McConnell, now retired, began her storied career serving the medical profession in remote areas with a long stint in Antarctica, starting with the ANARE at Macquarie Island from 1990.
In 1992 she transferred to Mawson Station where, according to mother Isobell, she was doctor, dentist and vet for the last dogs at that base. “She saved many lives and had a remarkable story,” says the proud mum.
In 1995 Dr McConnell joined the Royal Flying Doctor Service Western Operations, and was based out of Meekatharra in outback Western Australia until retiring last year.
A Fellow of both the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, Dr McConnell held roles with the RFDS for nearly 30 years, including 24 as Senior Medical Officer.
Her many awards included an award for clinically challenging medicine, Rural Health West Awards, 2010, and a 20 Year Doctor Service Award, Rural Health West, 2016.
Congratulating her on receiving the OAM, Queensland AMA president Dr Maria Boulton said: “After a career dedicated to serving remote and regional communities, Dr Christine McConnell was recognised for her work as an Antarctic Medical Officer and with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Accessing quality medicine in remote communities can be extremely challenging, and Dr McConnell has made an outstanding contribution to change this.”
