In his own admission, James believes he is someone who has worked predominantly behind the scenes and says, “I am grateful for the opportunities that allowed me to contribute through College activities and committees. It’s a privilege, and humbling, to receive the award for teamwork.”
“I was a fortunate to work under some of the College’s great founding leaders during my training, including Joseph Epstein, Anne Darcy, Graeme Thomson and Johannes Wenzel. They were terrific role models who clearly showed that a successful Director had to be totally dedicated to the job and their people.”
James pays special tribute to Jeff Wassertheil who was an exemplary teacher but tragically died mid-career. “Jeff was an extraordinarily generous teacher who took trainees into his home, in his own time, for tuition. This had a life-long impact on me and so, for over 30 years of coaching trainees, I have kept him as a guiding spirit.” James received the Teaching Excellence award in 2015.
Over the years James has held many College positions, he was a Chair of the Overseas Credentials Committee and the Accreditation Subcommittee. He was also a member of the former Council of Education, Specialist Trainee and Assessment Committee and the National Program Steering Committee.
Being an Examiner from 1996 to 2018 was a highlight and James can’t speak highly enough of his experience in the Court of Examiners. “It’s really a wonderful institution, offering opportunities for Fellows to keep up to date, academically and socially.”
From 2001 to 2014, he was Director of Emergency Services at Sandringham Hospital and more recently Co-Director at Wonthaggi Hospital, until he retired in 2017.
James is also a volunteer at the Sandringham Yacht Club and was the medical officer for both the Melbourne to Osaka race in 2018 and the World Laser Regatta in 2020. There are more awards and noted recognitions as well, but he didn’t miss a beat, when asked what were the perks of retirement? James almost immediately sent a photo through that clearly answers the question (please see below).
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank James for his work and dedication to both the College, emergency medicine and the community.