Vocational Service Award – 2012/2013

The Rotary Club of Melbourne established the Vocational Service Award in 1964.  It is presented annually to a person who has achieved a high level of excellence in their vocation and through such vocation has rendered outstanding service to the community.

The 2012-13 Rotary Club of Melbourne Vocational Service Award recognises the service of distinguished Medical Practitioner, Dr. Mukesh Haikerwal, AO.

Mukesh’s permanent Australian story began in 1990, when after arriving in Australia from the UK he established a medical practice in Melbourne's western suburbs with his wife Dr Karyn Alexander, where he still works.

He served as Vice President, and President of the Victorian Branch of the Australian Medical Association (AMA Victoria), becoming federal vice-president after which he was elected unopposed as federal president in 2005.  His numerous other appointments have included that of Professorial Fellow in the Faculty of Health Science at Flinders University, Chair of the Advisory Committee of the Beyondblue National Doctors Mental Health Program, and a member of the CSIRO’s eHealth Research and Investment Advisory Committee.  He has served in a number of advisory roles to Federal and State Governments on health matters.

In 2001, Mukesh received the Centenary Medal for Services to Medicine, and was awarded the Order of Australia in 2011.  His impact has extended beyond Australia, serving as an active leader of the World Medical Association culminating as in his appointment as Chairman of the Council in 2011 advocating on behalf of over 9 Million physicians and 104 member Medical National Associations.

Suffering a life-threatening injury following a vicious assault in 2008, which required urgent neurosurgery and months of intense rehabilitation, Mukesh has recovered and continued his family, advocacy and clinical activities ‘full-steam’ and now includes key advocacy for Brain Injury Australia.

Everything about Mukesh, his medical practice, professional leadership, and his community, national and international contributions exemplify the Rotary ideal of Service above Self. He joins a distinguished body of men and women who have been previous recipients of this award.