World leader in Deep Brain Stimulation neurologist Professor Peter Silburn has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2013 Australia Day Honours.
Professor Silburn, Lead Clinician for the (a joint initiative between and ) was honoured for his 鈥榮ignificant service to medicine as a neurologist, particularly in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.鈥�
Professor Silburn said he was greatly touched to receive the Member of the Order of Australia and appreciated the recognition he has received for 鈥渞eally just doing the work鈥�.
鈥淭he real reward is in helping other people, rather than it being a personal thing for me, and I pay special tribute to my patients and their families for placing their trust in me,鈥� Professor Silburn said.
鈥淭he award also reflects the contribution of the many talented people I work with, but most especially, the support, love and encouragement from my family,鈥� he said.
Professor Silburn's Deep Brain Stimulation work is changing the lives of patients with a wide range of diseases and conditions, including Parkinson鈥檚 disease and dystonia, for whom standard medical therapies are no longer effective.
Faculty of Health Sciences Executive Dean Nicholas Fisk said, 鈥淧rofessor Peter Silburn really deserves this for his extraordinary talent and drive 鈥� he combines innovative technology and research with clinical practice to develop novel treatments, not just for Parkinson鈥檚 but for younger patients with a range of debilitating movement disorders.鈥�
St Andrew鈥檚 War Memorial Hospital General Manager Dr Ian England also congratulated Professor Silburn on the award.
鈥淧eter鈥檚 pioneering work in Deep Brain Stimulation at St Andrew's is making an extraordinary difference in the lives of many patients with a range of debilitating neurological conditions,鈥� Dr England said.
鈥淲e at St Andrew鈥檚 Hospital are delighted that his dedication, passion and care have been acknowledged with a Member of the Order of Australia,鈥� he said.
Media: Colleen Clur, M 0418 253 340 or colleenclur@gmail.com or Kirsten Rogan, M 0412 307 594 or k.rogan@uq.edu.au
Professor Peter Silburn is available for interviews and photographs Saturday 26 January 2013.
High- res image of Professor Peter Silburn is available to download .
