The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) mourns the loss of Prof Dennis Pashen, a founding member, distinguished former President and outstanding advocate for rural and remote healthcare training and delivery.
ACRRM President Dr Dan Halliday says as a founding member, and president of ACRRM (2007 – 2009), Prof Pashen was instrumental in shaping the College's vision and success.
“Prof Pashen was a driving force in ACRRM’s establishment and leadership for many years,” Dr Halliday says.
“He was a dedicated Rural Generalist, and a fierce advocate and champion for remote medicine, community engagement, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare.
“He was a huge presence in our sector and made enormous impact on health policy, health education and careers for many medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, researchers, Aboriginal health workers, physician assistants and paramedicine colleagues.”
As a Rural Generalist of nearly 50 years, Prof Pashen obtained advanced skills in obstetrics, a Masters in Public Health and Tropical Medicine as well as an Honorary Doctorate of Medicine from James Cook University. He contributed to research through numerous journal articles and conference proceedings.
Among his many achievements, he is a former president of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia and the Rural Doctors Association of Tasmania. He established and managed the North Queensland Rural Division of General Practice and was Director of Mt Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health.
He was awarded the Centenary of Federation Medal in 2001, and in 2022 was presented with the Rural Doctor of the Year Award in Tasmania.
ACRRM CEO Marita Cowie says Prof Pashen’s legacy is more than his professional achievements.
“Dennis was a wonderful friend and colleague. I’m proud to have known him and to have worked alongside him for many years. "He hated bureaucracy (passionately!) and had a talent for cutting through to the heart of issues that really mattered.
"He was a kind and generous bloke with a wicked sense of humour. "He loved life - especially when it involved family, friends, music, guitars, boats and dogs!
“He will be long remembered for the positive changes he brought to our profession and healthcare system, and the countless lives he touched.
“Our love and support are also with Dennis’ wife Vicki Sheedy, his daughter and extended family at this difficult time,” Ms Cowie says.
ACRRM President Dr Dan Halliday says as a founding member, and president of ACRRM (2007 – 2009), Prof Pashen was instrumental in shaping the College's vision and success.
“Prof Pashen was a driving force in ACRRM’s establishment and leadership for many years,” Dr Halliday says.
“He was a dedicated Rural Generalist, and a fierce advocate and champion for remote medicine, community engagement, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare.
“He was a huge presence in our sector and made enormous impact on health policy, health education and careers for many medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, researchers, Aboriginal health workers, physician assistants and paramedicine colleagues.”
As a Rural Generalist of nearly 50 years, Prof Pashen obtained advanced skills in obstetrics, a Masters in Public Health and Tropical Medicine as well as an Honorary Doctorate of Medicine from James Cook University. He contributed to research through numerous journal articles and conference proceedings.
Among his many achievements, he is a former president of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia and the Rural Doctors Association of Tasmania. He established and managed the North Queensland Rural Division of General Practice and was Director of Mt Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health.
He was awarded the Centenary of Federation Medal in 2001, and in 2022 was presented with the Rural Doctor of the Year Award in Tasmania.
ACRRM CEO Marita Cowie says Prof Pashen’s legacy is more than his professional achievements.
“Dennis was a wonderful friend and colleague. I’m proud to have known him and to have worked alongside him for many years. "He hated bureaucracy (passionately!) and had a talent for cutting through to the heart of issues that really mattered.
"He was a kind and generous bloke with a wicked sense of humour. "He loved life - especially when it involved family, friends, music, guitars, boats and dogs!
“He will be long remembered for the positive changes he brought to our profession and healthcare system, and the countless lives he touched.
“Our love and support are also with Dennis’ wife Vicki Sheedy, his daughter and extended family at this difficult time,” Ms Cowie says.