John Sands Medal
Nominations for 2026 open 15 May to 31 August 2025.
The John Sands Medal recognises a Fellow who makes a significant contribution to the welfare of the RACP. This award provides an opportunity to recognise the substantial and influential contribution the award recipient has made.
This prestigious prize, made possible by a bequest from the late Dr John Sands, is awarded by the RACP annually at the College Ceremony.
Professor Jeff Szer | 2025 recipient
Professor Jeffrey Szer is a distinguished and compassionate haematologist
whose career has been defined by his unwavering commitment to
advancing the care and treatment of patients with blood disorders. As a
Professor of Haematology at the University of Melbourne and a leading
clinician at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, his impact extends far beyond
the bedside, shaping the future of haematology through his pioneering
research, his dedication to the education of the next generation of
medical professionals in clinical medicine and critical research analysis.
Graduating with honours from Monash University, Professor Szer holds a
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, as well as a Bachelor of
Medical Science. His expertise spans across the most complex
haematological disorders, particularly in the areas of malignant blood
diseases and bone marrow transplantation, where his groundbreaking
work continues to improve patient outcomes both in Australia and
internationally.
Professor Szer was the longest-serving Editor of the Internal Medicine
Journal of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP),
contributing research knowledge, critical analysis skills, and training of
physician reviewers for over 20 years.
In recognition of his exceptional service and contributions, Professor Szer
was recently awarded the John Sands Medal. This prestigious award is a
fitting tribute to a career marked by dedication, compassion, and an
unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
Professor Szer is not only a skilled clinician and researcher, but also a
beloved mentor, admired by his colleagues and students alike for his
generosity in sharing knowledge, his steadfast commitment to nurturing
the talents of future leaders in medicine and his ability to introduce
appropriate humour into training and clinical care. His ability to inspire
those around him, coupled with his profound sense of duty to patient care,
has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and the trust of
those he serves.
With a career that continues to inspire, Professor Szer’s work is a
testament to the power of passion and perseverance in improving lives
See our past John Sands Medal recipients
Eligibility
A nominee must be an Australian or Aotearoa New Zealand Fellow of an RACP Division, Faculty and/or Chapter.
A nominee must not:
- self-nominate
- be a current RACP Board member
- be a current RACP staff member
- have held the office of President of the RACP
- be a past recipient of the John Sands Medal
Any RACP Fellow or trainee can nominate an eligible RACP Fellow.
Nominate
Read the Terms and Conditions for College meritorious awards and prizes by nomination before applying.
Inform the nominee of your intention to submit a nomination.
Submit a completed nomination form addressing the selection criteria to foundation@racp.edu.au together with:
- CV of the nominee
- 2 letters of support
- other relevant supporting documentation (optional)
Note: A nomination isn't complete and can't be progressed unless all required documentation is received.
Download nomination form (DOC)
The College Conflicts of Interest Policy (PDF) and Privacy Policy apply.
Selection criteria
The assessment of the nominee's contribution in relation to others is an essential part of the nomination.
In your nomination, you must detail the contributions of the nominee and how they have meaningfully impacted the RACP and its activities against all of the selection criteria:
1. Contribution to the College
How has the nominee made a significant and sustained contribution to the welfare of the RACP, its member and staff?
2. Professional Leadership
What evidence is there of the nominee's outstanding leadership through their primary roles and contributions on Working Groups and/or Committees within the RACP?
3. Advocacy
How has the nominee performed significant advocacy on behalf of the RACP and/or its members of the College in policy, research or other areas of importance?
4. Representation
In what ways has the nominee played an integral role in one or more of these areas?:
- Representing the RACP and its members in the international arena and/or international affairs
- Establishing and maintaining relationships and/or collaborations with international or domestic organisations on behalf of the RACP and its members
- Promoting the RACP within Australia and/or Aotearoa New Zealand
5. Teaching and professional education to future and current physicians
What evidence is there of the nominee demonstrating:
- leadership and innovation in teaching and professional education to RACP trainees?
- a significant commitment to mentoring and training current trainees?
- a significant commitment to improving educational standards and methodology?
Selection process
The RACP Fellowship Committee reviews all nominations and recommends a deserving recipient to the RACP Board.
The RACP Board reserves the right not to award the John Sands Medal if they feel the recommendation and/or all nominations presented don't meet the high standards required for this award.
For more information, contact the RACP Foundation.
Related content
Terms and conditions
Past prize recipients
College and Congress prizes