Waikato DHB clinician appointed president of NZ Paediatric Society

Dr David Newman

Waikato District Health Board (DHB) clinical director of general paediatrics Dr David Newman has been appointed president of the Paediatric Society of New Zealand.

The society supports the development of child health services in New Zealand and contributes through protocols, guidelines, research, policy, advocacy and education.

As president, Dr Newman will oversee the ongoing development of the society.

“The work of the society, including our Annual Scientific Meeting, sponsor meetings, lectures, seminars, symposia and other conferences, is all thanks to our members, who devote thousands of volunteer hours as part of their professional practice.

“During my time in this role I hope to develop the society by supporting and enhancing the relationships we already have and strengthening our value to members.

Membership is open to those with a current professional health registration working in child health for the previous five years. Current members include paediatricians, paediatric nurses, therapists, psychologists, pharmacists, epidemiologists, academics, child health managers and administrators.

Dr Newman brings a breadth of experience to his role, with a total of 25 years working in child health.

He has a Bachelor of Human Biology, a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, and a Masters in Medical Sciences all from the University of Auckland. He has also completed a Diploma in Child Health through the University of Otago.

As well as his university qualifications, Dr Newman successfully completed his Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Physicians (FRACP) postgraduate specialist training programme in 1993.

He came to work for Waikato DHB in 1998 as a general and developmental paediatrician and became clinical director of general paediatrics in 2006. He is stepping down from his clinical director role this year to focus on the Paediatric Society.

Dr Newman will continue his paediatric work at Waikato DHB alongside his presidential role.

“I believe my 16 years of experience at Waikato DHB will contribute significantly to my work for the Paediatric Society of New Zealand. I bring an understanding of the demands on clinicians, both administratively and clinically. This will help with supporting members and the society as a whole.”

Click for more information about the Paediatric Society of New Zealand.

Click for an extended profile on Dr Newman.

ENDS

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