The Australian pathology profession has lost a passionate and determined advocate with the passing of Dr Peter Harman from pancreatic cancer earlier this month. Whilst his name may not be well-known to all readers, all of you are familiar with one of his legacies – the Know Pathology Know Healthcare initiative.
Peter spent his life in labs, first as a Medical Scientist, before pursuing a successful career in industry, and then establishing IVD Australia – the first Australian sector wide representative body for pathology technology companies.
Throughout his life Peter was an energetic campaigner for the tremendous clinical value that pathology delivers in healthcare. He was driven to address the gap between the world-leading quality pathology services available in Australia, and the low public profile the profession experienced.
It was this passion that led him to being instrumental in the creation of Pathology Awareness Australia where he served as the inaugural Company Secretary. He saw the organisation as a chance to encourage Australians to better understand and appreciate their pathology services, and the skill and technology that goes into every result.
Peter was a tireless Ambassador for Pathology Awareness Australia – even into retirement – hosting numerous Know Pathology Know Healthcare tours with Federal politicians in laboratories large and small in nearly every State and Territory in Australia.
At Pathology Awareness Australia we have lost a dear friend and colleague. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
