OLD GUILDFORDIANS
Old Guildfordian
of the Year
2018
Dr Michael Gannon
MB BS (W.A.) MRCPI FRANZCOG GAICD FAMA
There is no doubt we can be very proud of the many Old
Guildfordians around the globe that are productive members of
their community and are doing astonishing things. One such Old
Guildfordian is Dr Michael Gannon, a renowned Obstetrician and
Gynaecologist who was the President of the Australian Association
(AMA) from 2016 to 2018. At last year’s Old Guildfordians’ Annual
Dinner on 6 October, 200 former students and staff celebrated
Michael’s achievements and applauded his selection as the 2018
‘Old Guildfordian of the Year’.
An outstanding advocate for the medical profession, Michael is the
Head of Department, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at St John of God
Subiaco Hospital. Specialising in medical problems in pregnancy,
Michael works in the Perinatal Loss Service at King Edward
Memorial Hospital and sits on the WA Perinatal and Infant Mortality
Committee. A Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company
Directors (GAICD), Michael is also a Board Member of MDA National
Insurance. Before taking on the AMA national presidency, Michael
was President of AMA WA from 2014 to 2016, while at the same
time he was Chair of the Federal AMA Ethics & Medicolegal
Committee.
In receiving the award, Michael said, “the reason this award is so
special to me is because this school is so special to me”. There is no
doubt that Michael has considerable history with the School and
is enjoying a near-continuous 36-year association. He married his
wife, Mariam, in the School Chapel in 2003 and their son, Patrick,
has just started Year 6 at the Preparatory School. Joining Michael
at the Annual Dinner to share in his recognition were brothers
Richard (Ha 1984-1989) and Brad (Wb 1986-1993), as well as
their father Martin, a former fellow of Council (1988-1994). The
relationship continues to be a family affair with Michael’s cousin,
Sean Mordaunt (Ha 1982-1987), having attended the School and
his nephew, Brendan Gannon, starting Year 7 this year.
With his long list of significant achievements, Michael could be
forgiven for allowing a little hubris to creep in. However, in his
speech the opposite was true with Michael expressing tremendous
gratitude for what life had given him. In humble tones Michael
said, “I have led a fortunate life. So many of us have. Not just
being educated at this school, but even just growing up in Perth
in the ‘70s and ’80s”. Joined at the Annual Dinner by two tables
from the Class of 1988, Michael expressed gratitude for the many
“friendships and relationships that endure to this day”. Michael
spoke fondly of what lessons the School had taught him beyond the
classroom, including integrity with a strong a moral compass, the
importance of engagement and participation with the world around
us, and the value of inspiration and competitive spirit.
In sharing a darker time in his past when he faced adversity, Michael
described how, as a young man, he was caught up as a pawn in
a power-play involving senior figures at King Edward Memorial
Dr Michael Gannon (Ha 1983-1988)
Hospital. He had to make an eight-hour appearance on the witness
stand in the State Coroner’s Court and Michael’s career was very
much under threat before it had even begun. In speaking candidly,
Michael wondered where he had learnt the resilience to survive that
time. Was it just dogged determination or from being taught right
from wrong at school. What he will never forget is the people who
supported him during those difficult times, including relationships he
had forged as a student.
Speaking out on issues faced by the Country, Michael feels we need
to do more in educating Australians on how to have a healthier
relationship with alcohol and to eradicate a detrimental binge-
drinking culture. He also feels Australia can do better on aged
care, Aboriginal health, diversity, on the prevention of tobacco and
e-cigarette consumption, and that we need to take better care of
the environment.
Michael was glowing of the School’s decision to extend co-
education into the Senior School. He isn’t certain that he left GGS in
the ‘80s “armed with the skills necessary for relationships with girls
and women”. He added that he is optimistic about the future of our
School. “Again it is leading. Going forward,” and that a fully co-
educational campus “shows us at our best, embracing diversity”.
Taking the opportunity to talk further about diversity, Michael shared
his opinion that diversity is not just about the colour of someone’s
skin, their gender or sexual orientation. In Michael’s mind, diversity is
more about listening to other people’s thinking, other people’s ideas.
It was one of Michael’s Medical School lecturers who he first heard
say, “You are born with one mouth and two ears – use them in that
ratio”, adding that “when someone else is talking, you have a better
chance of learning something you don’t already know”.
In closing and before proposing a toast to the School, Michael said,
“this is a great school. That is why this is such a great honour. I will
never forget it”. We thank you Michael for championing causes
such as the Nation’s health, of diversity and of course the School.
Congratulations on being our Old Guildfordian of the Year.
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