James Best, Dean of LKCMedicine, has been appointed Officer of the Order of Australia in recognition of his service to medicine and medical education.

The accolade, conferred as part of this year's Birthday Honours, recognises individuals for their contributions to Australia or to wider humanity.

High Commissioner Philip Green bestowed the honour on behalf of the Governor-General of Australia Sir Peter Cosgrove, in a ceremony held at the Australian High Commissioner’s residence on 7 October. 

Presenting the Honour, Mr Green said of Professor Best, “You will know him as researcher, a teacher and a leader in his field. You will know of the great roles he’s held in the Melbourne Medical School, and with NHMRC (National Health and Medical Research Council) in Australia managing the largest research programme that we have in our continent. You will know about more recently the roles he’s now filling in Singapore… He has been outstanding - he is someone who has achieved in every sphere that he has done.”

Great contributions 

Professor Best said: “I feel particularly honoured because you need to be nominated by your peers and I know it’s actually a long process and people have to do a lot of work on your behalf. 

“The nicest part of it was receiving over 200 emails, letters and cards from many people whose paths I’ve crossed through in what’s been a pretty long career.” 

“What I’ve tried to achieve most in my work is the respect of my colleagues. And I do realise that respect has to be earned, and has to be earned repeatedly. And I’m striving very hard to achieve that in my current role. I’m truly grateful to be given this opportunity to work in Singapore at this stage of my career.  

The Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine in Singapore is a collaboration between Imperial and Nanyang Technological University. The School, which admitted its first students in 2013, aims to train doctors to meet Singapore’s future healthcare needs. 

Professor Best was appointed Dean of the School in July 2014. A graduate of the University of Melbourne in 1972, Professor James Best has practiced in the discipline of Endocrinology in Australia, Hong Kong, the USA and the UK. 

Professor Best has taught extensively during his career, especially on the topic of diabetes and metabolism, as well as on the medical interview. His research has involved physiological and molecular studies of glucose disposal, as well as studies of lipid biochemistry and epidemiological and clinical studies of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in diabetes. His current research is predominantly in healthcare delivery for diabetes prevention and management. 

The author of over 200 publications, Professor Best is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Royal College of Pathologists, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and Honorary MD from St Andrews University.