The University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA) recently hosted a special ceremony at its Fremantle campus, where philanthropists Geoff and Moira Churack were awarded Honorary Doctor of Letters degrees in recognition of their substantial contributions to public life and the advancement of education and research in chronic pain.
The event celebrated their commitment to enhancing medical student knowledge at Notre Dame, ensuring that The University of Notre Dame Australia is the first University in Australia to teach chronic pain medicine as a core part of a student's degree.
Chancellor Chris Ellison, Vice-Chancellor Professor Francis Campbell invited university faculty, students, and family and close friends of the Churack Family to attend the ceremony.
During the event, Mr. Churack announced a historical philanthropic gift which will ensure the continuation of The Churack Chair of Chronic Pain Education and Research, in perpetuity.
Natalie Ferrington, a recent graduate and former president of the student nursing association, spoke on behalf of the medical students. “This donation not only empowers our current research but significantly enhances our medical curriculum, preparing future doctors to manage and understand pain effectively,” she said.
Geoff Churack, addressing the attendees, shared his personal battle with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and the motivation behind their contributions. “Our journey with pain underscored the critical need for enhanced medical training. By focusing on education, we aim to equip all medical students with a robust understanding of chronic pain, improving patient care across Australia,” he stated.
The partnership between the Churack Family and UNDA began in 2013 with an initial donation that established the Churack Chair of Chronic Pain Education and Research. This collaboration with St John of God Subiaco Hospital has been pivotal in transforming pain management education at Notre Dame.
Professor Francis Campbel expressed his gratitude, stating, “The Churack family’s generosity extends beyond financial contributions; it is a testament to their commitment to making a real difference in the lives of those suffering from chronic pain.”
The ceremony concluded with acknowledgements of the numerous individuals and organisations that have supported the Churack Chair, including Dr. Eric Visser, the inaugural chairholder, and the multitude of supporters who have helped establish the first and only Western Australian medical school focusing on researching and treating chronic pain.
Media Contact: media@nd.edu.au