New clinical school cements role of ANU

The Australian National University is enjoying a double celebration today. As well as celebrating its 60th anniversary, the University is celebrating the opening of the new building at Canberra Hospital housing the ANU Medical School’s Canberra Clinical School, cementing its role in training future doctors for Canberra and the surrounding regions.

The Clinical School was officially opened by Chief Minister Jon Stanhope in a ceremony with ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Chubb.

“This new building, generously funded by the ACT Government, is testament to the role ANU plays in the Canberra community and its surrounding regions,” Professor Chubb said.

“ANU has come a long way since 1 August 1946 when it was founded by an act of the Federal Parliament primarily as a research institution. The Medical School, though relatively new, is one of the most important ways the University gives back to our community.

“The new building provides the students and staff with an excellent facility for learning and research.”

The ANU Medical School offers a four-year medical program to graduate students, with a strong emphasis on rural and regional health care. It currently has 254 students, with the first graduates due to finish at the end of next year.

Professor Gatenby, Dean of the School said the facility provided an excellent working environment for the School and a base for ANUMS staff and students at the Canberra Hospital.

“The building gives us a permanent home for the Academic Units of Internal Medicine, Surgery, General Practice and Psychological Medicine. It is supported by the ACT Health library on the ground floor,” Professor Gatenby said.

“It will ensure that the ANU Medical School is closely integrated with the Canberra Hospital in the years to come. I’m grateful to the Chief Minister, the Minister for Health and the ACT for their support.”

For further information:

ANU Media Office Jane O’Dwyer 6125 5001/0416 249 231