College Medal
Nominations for 2026 open 15 May to 31 August 2025.
The College Medal recognises a Fellow who makes a significant contribution to medical specialist practice, healthcare, and/or health of the community through physician activities.
This prestigious prize is awarded annually at the RACP College Ceremony.
Professor Helen Liley | 2025 recipient
Professor Liley graduated in medicine from the University of Auckland in 1979. She trained in Paediatrics in Auckland with post graduate studies in the USA, culminating in a joint clinical/research fellowship in Boston, Massachusetts.
Following the position of Medical Director, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Christchurch Women's Hospital, Christchurch, she took a position as Staff Specialist Neonatal Paediatrician, at the Mater Mothers' Hospital, Brisbane, Australia. She is currently Eminent Staff Specialist Neonatal Pediatrician (Queensland Health MO3 level), Mater Mothers’ Hospital and Leader, Critical Care of the Newborn research program, Mater Research, The University of Queensland.
She has had a prominent role in influencing policy in key areas of Newborn Resuscitation culminating in her position as chair of the Neonatal Taskforce for the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. This work has improved outcomes for babies worldwide.
See our past College Medal recipients.
Eligibility
To be eligible, a nominee must be an Australian or Aotearoa New Zealand Fellow of an RACP Division, Faculty and/or Chapter.
A nominee must not:
- submit a nomination on their own behalf
- be a current RACP Board member
- be a current RACP staff member
- be a past recipient of the College Medal
Any RACP Fellow or trainee can nominate an eligible Fellow.
Nominate
Read the Terms and Conditions for College meritorious awards and prizes by nomination before submitting a nomination.
Inform the nominee of your intent to submit a nomination.
Email 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 College Medal selection criteria aligns with our College motto 'hominum servire saluti' — 'to serve the health of our people' — and recognises a Fellow's contribution towards the improvement of the health of the community and/or our members.
The assessment of the nominee's contribution in relation to others is an essential part of the nomination.
In your nomination, detail how the nominee's contributions have meaningfully impacted the College and its activities against all of the selection criteria:
1. Contribution to medical practice, healthcare and/or health of communities
How has the nominee made a significant contribution to medical specialist practice through physician activities?
2. Professional Leadership
How has the nominee displayed outstanding leadership in developing and promoting local, national and/or international initiatives? What has been the significant impact to medicine and/or health of communities?
3. Advocacy
What significant advocacy has the nominee performed on behalf of medical specialists/physicians in policy, research or other areas of importance?
4. Representation
How has the nominee played integral roles in:
- establishing and maintaining relationships and/or collaborations with international or domestic organisations on behalf of the medical profession, in particular medical specialists?
- promoting College members and their interests within Australia and/or Aotearoa New Zealand?
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 College Medal if they feel the recommendation and/or all nominations do not meet the high standards required for this award.
For more information about The College Medal, contact the RACP Foundation.
Related content
Terms and conditions
Past prize recipients
College and Congress prizes