Media Contact
Related News
Related News
NSW Health Pathology’s Clinical Director at the Randwick Genomics Laboratory Dr Michael Buckley has been awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to human genomic medicine, genetic pathology and to research, education and training.
Dr Buckley says when he was first notified that he had been included in this year’s Australia Day Honours list his initial reaction was one of confusion and disbelief.
“To be honest, I thought the request was asking me to support a colleague’s nomination,” he said.
“I had to read the message several times before I realised that I was the intended recipient.”
Dr Buckley’s contribution to the field of genomics spans more than three decades. Since the 1990s he has played a significant role in shaping genomic medicine in Australia through a range of senior academic and clinical positions throughout his career.
Among his many leadership roles, Dr Buckley has served as President of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia from 2018 to 2020 and as Chief Examiner in Genetics at the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) from 2002 to 2009.
Between 2008 and 2011 he was the recipient of a Marie Curie International Fellowship at Radboud University Nijmegen. He has co-authored more than 100 articles.
Creating an open, friendly workplace
As Clinical Director of the Randwick Genomics Laboratory, Dr Buckley is particularly proud of the culture he and his colleagues have built.
“We try to create a workplace that is friendly, respectful and open,” he said.
“Our aim is to create a laboratory culture where people want to come to work because they find the work they do intellectually satisfying and meaningful.”
The most rewarding aspects of his work are translating complex genomic information into something patients and families can understand and use, and working with trainees and genetics colleagues.
“I like being able to provide laboratory reports where patients’ families can see themselves reflected in the report and providing practical ways to help them manage their situation. When all of that comes together, it’s extremely satisfying.
“I have been extremely lucky to work with terrific colleagues and trainees who now lead our profession from laboratories across the country.”
Dr Buckley is adamant that being awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia reflects a collective effort of many people’s work across NSW Health Pathology.
“The team isn’t just a local team of doctors, scientists, informaticians, technologists and administrative staff in the laboratory,” he said.
“The team also includes the really generous support provided by our colleagues in Operations, Finance and the NSWHP Strategic Leadership Team (SLT), as well as our colleagues in clinical genetics and maternal fetal medicine departments.”
People are at the heart of what we do
He says the role of genomics services is, ultimately, to support people at important and often challenging moments in their lives.
“People come to genetic services because they need diagnosis, counselling and practical care,” Dr Buckley said.
“In many cases they’re facing very difficult decisions. Our aim is to provide information that is meaningful for them and to give them confidence that they’re making the right choices for themselves and their families.”
Want to learn more about the impact of Dr Buckley’s work?
Meet a Victorian couple (pictured below) whose son Mitch received lifesaving treatment thanks to a a prenatal genomics test, which led to a crucial diagnosis by Dr Buckley and his team at the Randwick Genomics Laboratory.
