The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is marking World Ophthalmologist Day on 8 August by recognising Dr Michael Steiner AM as the inaugural recipient of the Kerry Gallagher AM Medal.
The medal, instituted by the ASO Board and named in honour of Kerry Gallagher AM, recognises the ophthalmologist who demonstrates the highest level of leadership and advocacy. It was presented for the first time at the 11th ASO Skills Expo on the Gold Coast in June by Mr Gallagher, a respected medico-political adviser and government relations expert, and the first ASO Chief Executive Officer from 2009–2025.
As he told the room, the Kerry Gallagher AM Medal carries a particular weight.
“When you institute an award of this significance, the first recipient sets the standard for all who follow,” he said.
… he has dedicated “more than four decades to exceptional clinical care, education, and fierce advocacy” and has been “a tireless guardian of the profession” throughout
“They must personify the intellect, grit, leadership, and unwavering commitment to independent world-class medicine.”
A past President of the ASO, Dr Steiner has also held senior leadership roles with the Australian Medical Association, Council of Procedural Specialists (COPS) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO). In Mr Gallagher’s words, he has dedicated “more than four decades to exceptional clinical care, education, and fierce advocacy” and has been “a tireless guardian of the profession” throughout.
Mr Gallagher also shared the story of how Dr Steiner’s association with the ASO began: a now-legendary lunch in Auburn, NSW, after which Dr Steiner had somehow agreed to become President of the ASO. “I paid for the lunch,” Mr Gallagher said, “but Michael continued to meet the real cost of the lunch in his absolute commitment over many years to the ASO.”
