The Postgraduate Medical Foundation is established in 1958
From Faculty of Medicine Online Museum and Archive
Formally established in 1958 under the title, The Post-Graduate Medical Foundation of the University of Sydney, the idea of sourcing funding for the University's postgraduate teaching and research from the private commercial sector had been considered since the formation of the University of Sydney's Postgraduate Committee in Medicine in 1936, some twenty years earlier.
Foremost among those pushing for the establishment of the Foundation had been the Postgraduate Committee's Honorary Director, Dr (later Sir) Victor Coppleson. In 1957, Dr Victor Coppleson approached private individuals and members of the corporate sector, securing their support before approaching the University. After discussions, the Foundation's constitution was drawn up. On 7th July 1958, it was approved by the University's Senate and (under its original title) The Post-Graduate Medical Foundation of the University of Sydney was formed with Sir Francis Packer, its first President.
While the Foundation was made up of the representatives of corporate donors, the University was also represented on the Council, in an ex-officio capacity. Initially, the University was represented by those holding the office of the University's Chancellor, Deputy Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, the Dean of Medicine, the Professor of Obstetrics, the Honorary Director of the Postgraduate Medical Studies and the Postgraduate Committee's Honorary Treasurer. The Foundation was launched in the Great Hall in 1959.
In 2008, the Medical Foundation celebrates its 50th anniversary. Its administrative office is now housed in the Edward Ford Building.
Go to next article in timeline: Professor F. R. Magarey becomes the eleventh Dean of the Faculty in 1960