Last night at an event at NSW Parliament House, John Bell AM was honoured with the 2019 Sir Kempson Maddox Award.

Every year, Diabetes NSW & ACT recognises a person who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of diabetes through the Sir Kempson Maddox Award.

The award honours Sir John Kempson Maddox, a leading cardiologist, with an interest in diabetes, who pioneered diabetes self-management and was founder of the Diabetes Association of Australia, which has gone on to become Diabetes NSW & ACT.

John Bell a leading pharmacist, broadcaster and advocate for prevention and treatment strategies for people living with diabetes received the award for his dedication and passion to his industry and the diabetes community.

John has had a distinguished career as a pharmacist, teacher and educational author.  He was National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia for over 10 years and represented pharmacy on a number of Australian Government Committees.

John played an active role in international pharmacy for more than 30 years holding the roles of  Vice President and President of the Federation Internationale Pharmaceutique and Secretary of the Commonwealth Pharmacists Association at various times.

For over 30 years, John presented a weekly radio talk-back program the “Friendly Pharmacist and to this day is a regular contributor to radio, TV print and current affairs programs. He also served on the Board of Diabetes NSW & ACT from 2001 – 2018.

In presenting the award, Sturt Eastwood, CEO Diabetes NSW & ACT noted that throughout his career, Mr Bell had has shown an outstanding commitment to the pharmaceutical profession and to the health and wellbeing of the community.

“His work as an educator, advisor to local and international government and industry, and helping the man in the street better understand health issues through his radio program, have and will continue to make a significant difference to the lives of many thousands of people.”

“It has been a pleasure to work closely beside John on the Board of Diabetes NSW & ACT and he is definitely a worthy recipient of the 2019 Sir Kempson Maddox Award,” he said.

Diabetes NSW & ACT is proud to acknowledge John Bell AM as the winner of the 2019 Sir Kempson Maddox Award