Alice Springs Hospital’s General and Trauma Surgeon, Dr Ollapallil Jacob, has been recognised for his dedicated service working to improve the health and welfare of Central Australian Indigenous communities.

Awarded the inaugural Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Medal, Dr Jacob Jacob as he is affectionately known, was acknowledged not only for his surgical services but also his ongoing commitment to teaching and research.  

Dr Jacob said: “Alice Springs is a unique hospital with a large number of end-stage renal failure patients, acute pancreatitis, gall bladder disease and trauma patients.”

Through his work, Dr Jacob has advocated for other specialties and to engage and succeed in achieving significant outcomes for the wider community.

Over the years Dr Jacob has carried out many research projects into subjects including stab injuries, single-occupant vehicle rollover accidents and acute pancreatitis.

Dr Jacob’s surgical interests have included vascular access for dialysis and diabetic soft tissue infections - two area of great need in his work with the Indigenous people of Central Australia.

“I feel very privileged to work at Alice Springs Hospital where I have the opportunity to make a difference in the medical journey of Indigenous patients and I am blessed to work with a team that is committed to improving Indigenous health outcomes,” Dr Jacob said.

Media Contact: Sharon Hutton 8951 5123 or 0401 114 113