One of Western Australia’s most respected health leaders, Professor Michael Quinlan has died in Perth at the age of 82.
Professor Quinlan was the State’s first nuclear medicine physician.
Trained at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, USA, he worked at Royal Perth Hospital in the Department of Medical Physics before setting up nuclear medicine departments at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and St John of God Hospital, Subiaco.
“Professor Quinlan has contributed significantly to the Western Australian health sector over many years,” said Health Minister, Roger Cook.
“He could be described as a true pioneer of medicine in this State and will long be remembered by health professionals and many Western Australians.
“I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”
Committed to education and training, Professor Quinlan also established the first nuclear medicine registrar training program in WA and was a foundation member of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine (formed in 1969).
Professor Quinlan taught medical students and prospective physicians over almost five decades, playing an important role in establishing the University of Notre Dame’s medical school in WA. The Michael Quinlan Scholarship provides support to medical students studying at Notre Dame.
Professor Quinlan has been remembered for his contribution to many of WA’s health organisations and universities.
He was a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians, Professor of Medicine at the University of Notre Dame, Adjunct Professor at The University of Western Australia and Emeritus Consultant Physician at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, and was a former Director of the Medical Teaching Unit at St John of God Hospital.
He was awarded the College Medal by the Royal Australian College of Physicians in 1998 and the Order of Australia in 2018.
“Western Australia has just lost a great man and a precious citizen with the passing of Michael Quinlan,” said WA Governor, Kim Beazley.
“I saw him recently at the swearing-in of his son, our Chief Justice and Lieutenant Governor the Hon Peter Quinlan SC. He was a proud, happy and robust man so his passing is doubly difficult to accept,” he said.
“His legacy is massive, and part of it is his family who have taken guidance from his commitments. We are grateful they shared him with us.
“Deepest sympathy to his wife Carole, children Tim, Peter, Anthony, Annabelle and Gaby and his grandchildren Oliver, Annabelle, Gabe, Harper, Audrey, Jude, Lux, Lochie, Lexi, Neve, Noah, Leo, Sophia and Milla.”
