The prestigious medal was presented to Mr Hunter in Wellington at the recent RACS Annual Scientific Congress on 10 May by Prof Ian Civil, of Auckland, a former President of RACS.
His nomination for the Medal outlined his decades of service, expertise and achievement, and included moving testimonials from colleagues and the many different organisations he has contributed to.
From being a teacher to medical students, ambulance staff and paramedics, Mr Hunter has served in the Territorials, and also in the Regular Force as field surgeon in Timor. As well as extensive trauma leadership roles at a local, regional and national level, he is also a retrieval doctor and medical advisor to the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust.
Colleagues describe Mr Hunter as a mentor to many, and an inspirational and authentic role model with his humble and inclusive approach.
“He is a leader and innovator, who teaches as he leads and has had a profound influence on countless healthcare professionals. He is patient‐centred and his enthusiasm and passion for improving trauma care is evident to all who meet him.”
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