Emeritus Professor Stephen Leeder AO - a Celebration

An event honouring the career achievements of the Journal's very own Editor-in-Chief, Emeritus Professor Stephen Leeder AO, was hosted by the University of Sydney on 1 May 2014. Friends, colleagues and students both past and present gathered to mark the formal occasion of Stephen's retirement from the university. An assembly of esteemed researchers, educators and health policy advocates contributed to a lively program which befitted his substantial professional achievements and ideals. Guest facilitator Professor Don Nutbeam, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, shared some amusing and informative insights as the program unfolded.

Presentations centred on four main areas:

• chronic disease: an international epidemic
• medical education
• public health education and training for the 21st century
• health policy.

Key themes emerged on the interplay between global economic forces and the health of populations. We learned of the shifting pattern of the burden of non-communicable disease from developed to developing countries and the advancements on the early work of epidemiologist Abdel Omran.1 We also learned of the different ways in which medical education is adapting to become more community-based, with fascinating examples highlighting the success of problem-based learning for health professionals in developing countries. And in what might be described as a rare consensus, colleagues in health policy were united in applauding Stephen for his many contributions to this field. The Honourable Dr Neal Blewett AC related the political realities of health policy reform and how capricious political intervention can derail initiatives such as food labelling. Later, the Honourable Jillian Skinner, New South Wales Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research, shared her own insights and led the audience in a standing ovation in recognition of Stephen's contributions at the conclusion of her address.

Along the way, several entertaining anecdotes and “Leederisms” were shared, and proceedings concluded with a spirited interview of the man of the hour by award-winning health journalist Dr Norman Swan. This covered, among other topics, early experiences in Stephen's life and how these influenced his career choices.

From the sentiments expressed by those in attendance, it is clear that Stephen has had an influence on many careers and is an ongoing source of inspiration to many in his field. It is our good fortune that we, at the Journal, benefit from the breadth and depth of his experience, and we join in congratulating him on this memorable occasion.