Anaesthesiology & Patient Safety expert appointed to Head the School of Medicine

The University of Auckland is delighted to announce the appointment of one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most respected anaesthesiologists, Professor Alan Merry as Head of The University of Auckland’s School of Medicine.

Professor Merry is currently the Head of the Department of Anaesthesiology within the School of Medicine and is a practising cardiac anaesthetist and chronic pain specialist. Professor Merry has been recognised internationally for his research in medical ethics, safe medical practice, and anaesthesia, and currently he is the Chair of The Health Quality & Safety Commission New Zealand as well as Chair of the Safety and Quality Assurance Committee of the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthetists. Professor Merry also acted as the anaesthesia lead in the global Safe Surgery Saves Lives initiative of the World Health Organisation through 2007-2010, an initiative which is estimated could prevent up to half a million deaths annually from the 234 million operations performed around the world annually.

Professor Iain Martin, Dean of The University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, welcomed the appointment of a world class researcher and teacher to head the School of Medicine.

“Alan is held in the highest regard by both the clinical and research communities the faculty serves. His own expertise traverses a wide range of areas which we teach or conduct research into, and his standing in these communities could not be higher. We are delighted that Alan has agreed to accept this very important appointment.”

In 2009 Professor Merry received the Insignia of an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to medicine, and in particular anaesthesia. His publications reflect his interests in safety in anaesthesia, medico-legal concepts related to negligence, cardio-thoracic anaesthesia, and the management of postoperative and chronic pain.

Professor Merry will take up his new position on September 19.