Professor David Gracey has been appointed to the Board of Angel Flight, the first doctor to join the charity's board, Angel Flight announced this week.
Professor Gracey said the appointment was an honour.
"Angel Flight is an organisation that holds a special place in Australia's heart, and in particular, rural and remote Australians. Undertaking my initial medical training in Western Australia, I understand first-hand the challenges remote families have in accessing vital medical treatment and the difference it can make to a family when the burden of cost in travelling long distances is removed.
"I am excited to use my new role to be an advocate for the work of Angel Flight and draw attention to the needs of regional communities, and I encourage my medical colleagues and health policy makers to support the work of Angel Flight, its volunteer pilots and Earth Angel drivers."
Angel Flight CEO and Director Marjorie Pagani said the charity was privileged to have Gracey join its governance team, particularly given his high level of expertise and commitment, both Australia-wide and internationally, to providing medical help and training to disadvantaged rural and remote communities.
Professor Gracey is a Senior Staff Specialist at the Renal Unit at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney and the Statewide Renal Transplant Service, with appointments at Wagga Wagga, Griffith and The Canberra Hospital. He is an Associate Professor at the Central Clinical School, University of Sydney.