JCU doctor receives international appointment
First published 24 July 2012
Award-winning James Cook Universityacademic Professor Ajay Rane has been elected as Vice President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).
It is the first time a North Queenslander has been appointed to the role.
Professor Rane, who is British-born but raised in rural India, is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at JCU, and works at the Townsville Hospital.
The award comes in the same week Professor Rane heads off to teach in Kathmandu in Nepal and then trek to Mount Kailash in Tibet to explore what health facilities are available in the region.
Professor Rane, who specialises in pelvic reconstructive surgery, research, teaching and innovations in technology, said he became involved in RANZCOG due to his personal interests.
“I am deeply interested in teaching and research. I am also supportive of Specialist International Medical Graduates, or SIMGs, and help them settle better in Australia,” he said.
Professor Rane, who was Treasurer of RANZCOG before his appointment as Vice-President, said the position was a vital one.
“The role basically entails ensuring that the College provides education of high standards and is a champion of womens’ health in Australia and New Zealand.
Professor Rane said a regionally-based Vice-President would be beneficial to North Queensland and other regional areas.
“It encourages trainees to come and work provincially and enhances our ability to attract and retain talent locally,” he said.
Background:
MBBS, University of Poona India, MD, University of Poona India, MRCOG, Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists London, MSc UroGynaecology, Liverpool University England, FRCS Ed, Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, CCST, Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists London, FRANZCOG, Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists Melbourne, President’s Young Investigator of the Year Award, Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists Melbourne, Certification in UroGynaecology (Australia), Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists Melbourne, Dr Christopher Kohlenberg medal for original research, Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists Melbourne, Professor, Chair and Head of Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology JCU, School of Medicine & Dentistry, recently awarded PhD from JCU in December 2011.
For interviews, contact: Professor Ajay Rane Professor on tel (07) 4727 4096
JCU Media contact: Caroline Kaurila (07) 4781 4586 or 0437 028 175