Honorary doctorate for global pharmaceutical leader
New research has paved the way for drugs that are more effective and have fewer side effects.
Pharmaceutical industry leader Dr Kamal Midha will be conferred with an honorary doctorate from Monash University on 6 June.
The Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) will be conferred at a ceremony at Monash University’s Clayton campus, recognising Dr Midha’s accomplishments and major contributions to pharmaceutical science and global health.
Canadian-based Dr Midha, who is the former President of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), has enjoyed a distinguished and productive career in government, industry and academia.
Under his leadership, FIP, the worldwide federation of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, grew to represent more than 127 organisations and over two million practitioners. Dr Midha was also instrumental in improving global healthcare. A key achievement was the development of science-based regulations in the field of bioavailability and bioequivalency.
Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Professor Bill Charman said it was an honour to acknowledge Dr Midha’s significant contributions.
“Kamal Midha is an outstanding scientist and a remarkable leader,” Professor Charman said.
“His dedication and contributions to the advancement of pharmacy worldwide cannot be overstated. He is truly deserving of this honour.”
Dr Midha will be the special guest speaker for the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences flagship public event - the annual Emeritus Professor Barry L. Reed Distinguished Lecture. Dr Midha will outline ways to ensure better global health.
Barry L. Reed is Emeritus Professor within the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Following his retirement in 2006, the faculty established an annual public lecture in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the faculty, Monash University and the pharmacy profession.
Dr Midha has authored or co-authored several hundred scientific papers in refereed journals, chapters in books and review articles.
His research interests at the University of Saskatchewan where he headed the Drug Metabolism and Drug Disposition Group for more than 25 years included work on the use of methylphenidates (Ritalin) in children and young adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and he is internationally known for his work in the development of a new approach to clinical pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships in schizophrenic patients.
Dr Midha studied Pharmacy in India obtaining a Bachelor of Pharmacy (1964) and Master of Pharmacy (1966) before completing a PhD at the University of Alberta, Edmonton Canada in 1969. He was subsequently awarded a DSc (1985) from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon Canada.
The Barry L. Reed Distinguished Lecture will be held on Tuesday 4 June, from 4.30pm in Lecture Theatre 1 at Monash University Parkville campus, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville. The event is free. Registration is essential - online or call +61 3 9903 9087.