Coast doctor’s stunning gift to Bond University
PROMINENT Gold Coast doctor John Kearney has gifted Bond University one of its largest individual donations to help educate the next generation of medical students.
In recognition, the university has named its anatomy laboratory the Dr John Kearney Anatomy Laboratory.
“John has dedicated his life to improving the lives of others and his various contributions to this university and specifically the medical program are his shining beacon and serve as an inspiration to all of us,” Bond University Vice Chancellor and President Tim Brailsford said.
“This gift ensures that John’s legacy will benefit many generations of future students to come.”
The value of the gift is not being released publicly but it ranks among the top five by an individual since the university was established in 1989. The money will fund:
A new position of the Dr John Kearney Fellowship in clinical skills; Anatomy and clinical skills laboratory equipment; Laboratory training and research;
Programs to improve the clinical skills of staff, students and researchers.
Dr Kearney, an ophthalmologist who established the Gold Coast Eye Clinic in 1984, is an Associate Clinical Professor at Bond University and trains students in the acclaimed medical program.
Dr Kearney is the son of the late barrister Dr John F Kearney and Dr Alison Kearney, both long-time benefactors and supporters of the university.
The senior Kearneys are memorialised in the names of two university facilities they helped establish: the John and Alison Kearney Library and the John and Alison Kearney Law Library.
Dr Kearney continues a family passion for education, social justice and community service.
As a young doctor he ran a hospital in Papua New Guinea and for decades has set up eye clinics in remote Australia, PNG, East Timor and the Pacific Islands.