Official Functions

Syme Orator – Professor Mark Edwards

Professor Mark Edwards B.Sc; MB.BS; FRCS; FRACS,
Emeritus Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Royal Perth Hospital,
Chair Medical Board of Australia (WA)

Born and schooled in Perth, he graduated in both Science and Medicine from the University of WA. His early ambition was always surgery, obtaining his FRCS in London in 1977. Returning to Perth, he commenced training in cardiothoracic training at Royal Perth Hospital then Royal Prince Alfred hospital and gained his FRACS in 1982.

Returning to London, he worked with legendary figures Donald Ross and (later Sir) Magdi Yacoub experiencing every conceivable aspect of cardiac surgery. He was subsequently appointed Consultant Surgeon at Royal Perth Hospital where he was head of department until the unit moved to Fiona Stanley Hospital in 2015. He was granted Emeritus Consultant status upon completion of his service.

With a strong interest in teaching and training, he was appointed by College Council as an examiner in Cardiothoracic surgery and indeed spent 6 years as Senior Examiner. He was then elected by his peers to Council where he spent 9 years serving with distinction as inaugural Chair of BSET, Chair of the Court of Examiners, and finally as Censer-in-Chief.

At the completion of his time on Council, he was awarded the Louis Barnett Medal “for outstanding contributions to education, training and achievement in surgery”. In 2024 he was given – “The ANZSCTS President’s Award” for lifelong contribution to cardiothoracic surgery in Australia. Always passionate about education he was teacher, trainer and mentor to literally hundreds of surgeons throughout Australia, New Zealand and overseas.

Later, he developed an interest in medical regulation and was appointed to the WA Medical Board in 2016, subsequently becoming Chair of the Board in 2022, a position to which he has just been re-appointed for a second term.