Doctor’s healing hailed

A YOUNG doctor who started a global health project while studying has received a top alumni award.

Deakin University medicine graduate Dr Nicole Weber developed the not-forprofit registered charity Global Village Project while studying medicine at the university in 2012. The project focuses on childhood immunisation and health education in the Indian state of Odisha.

Deakin medical and allied health students have returned to an orphanage in the eastern highlands every year since the program’s inception.

Dr Weber, who led the project until 2016, said she was now focused on expanding it locally and globally.

Dr Weber, who now works in Brisbane, was awarded the Deakin Alumni Community Service Award on Friday.

The award recognises, acknowledges and promotes prominent alumni who have achieved outstanding success professionally and have made a major contribution to the university.

“It was a huge shock and surprise to receive the award. Obviously I’m really excited,” Dr Weber said.

“The project has just always been my passion since I realised what a great resource medical students can be and how rewarding it can be to work in rural countries.”

Since it was developed in 2012 the project has expanded to immunise children in orphanages, teach basic education and health to the wider community and offer women’s and men’s health programs.

“Immunisations are a very Picture: PAT SCALA effective intervention you make when which is very long lasting. Overall, we try not to be overwhelmed by all the health issues we are facing,” Dr Weber said.

Tracey Gaudry, Dean Landy, Auntie Joan Vickery AO and Dr David Parkin OAM also received awards during last week’s ceremony.