News

Dr John Waller (RFD, ED, MBBS, FRACGP, FRACMA, FAMA) gave 19 years of dedicated service to Mater, serving as Medical Superintendent of Mater Adult Hospital from July 1978 to July 1995, at which time he was appointed Executive Director of the hospital, a role he occupied until his retirement in July 1997.

 

Having graduated from The University of Queensland in 1956, he began his medical career as a resident at Royal Brisbane Hospital, before further developing his career with medical and administrator roles at Thursday Island Hospital (1958–59); Dalby Hospital (Medical Superintendent, 1960–62); Brisbane Chest Clinic (1962–66); Wolston Park Hospital (1970–74); Royal Brisbane Hospital (1975–76) and Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth (Deputy Medical Superintendent, 1976–78).

 

Dr Waller commenced as Medical Superintendent of Mater Adult Hospital on 3 July 1978. His numerous achievements included overseeing the planning and relocation of the original Mater Public Hospital to Mater Adult Hospital (now named Mater Hospital Brisbane) in 1982.

 

In later years, he led the hospital through a climate of change and advancement in a climate of budgetary constraint. His able stewardship saw him appointed Executive Director of Mater Adult Hospital in July 1995.

 

Throughout his tenure at Mater, Dr Waller was highly regarded for his great compassion for the patients and staff within his care.

 

Dr Waller excelled in many areas of his profession, including becoming State President of the Royal Australian College of Medical Administrators and President of the Queensland branch of the Australian Medical Association, and rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve. 

 

In the 1997 Australia Day Honours List, Dr Waller was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his services to medicine and medical administration.

 

Dr Waller officially retired from Mater on 6 July 1997.

 

May his soul rest in eternal peace.