Gary Smith recognised with Honorary Doctorate

The University of New England has recognised the distinguished career of Gary Smith by awarding the Degree of Honorary Doctor of Letters Honoris Causa (HonDLitt) .

Gary has made an outstanding contribution to the primary healthcare sector and the professionalisation of practice management over the past 30 years.

Gary manages a large General Practice in Penrith NSW widely recognised and respected because of his selfless commitment and dedication to the advancement of practice management in Australia and overseas. He was once interviewed in one of Australia’s leading medical magazine as the “guru” of Practice Management in Australia.

Gary is a life member of the Australian Association of Practice Management (AAPM) and he has also been UNE Partnerships’ greatest advocate in consolidating our position as a leading provider for general practice and practice management education in Australia.

Gary is passionate about the education and advancement of first nations people and frontline workers. The combination of these passions has seen Gary travel to regional and remote communities to deliver workshops in medical reception, medical practice administration and practice management in collaboration with UNE Partnerships and the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) for the past 12 years.

Of significance, Gary’s Medical Reception program has seen an 89% completion rate over this period, which is almost twice the industry average for Certificate III level programs and almost three times the industry average for ATSI participation in Certificate III level programs.

With a list of achievements far too long to describe today, UNE Partnerships would like to congratulate Gary Smith on another incredible milestone!

For more information:

• Study Health and Community Services at UNE Partnerships