Renowned obstetrician Dr Keith Hartman admitted as University of Sydney Honorary Fellow
With more than 37 years under his stethoscope, Dr Keith Hartman AM has dedicated much of his life to being an obstetrician and gynaecologist, assisting in the birth of more than 10,000 babies throughout his career.
Dr Hartman has been admitted as an Honorary Fellow of the University in recognition of his contributions to the University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney’s Mater Hospital and the broader medical community.
Dr Keith Hartman has been made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Sydney.
Chancellor David Thodey AO presided over the ceremony and celebrated Dr Hartman’s legacy and contributions.
“Dr Hartman’s remarkable career as a physician, and legacy as an educator and leader in the healthcare community is a true inspiration.
“He has been a steadfast link between his professional peers and the University and has been an advocate, leader and fundraiser for the Mater Hospital, devoting much of his long clinical career to the hospital and its patients.
“Dr Hartman has consistently demonstrated his unwavering dedication to patient care and his extensive contributions to the field of obstetrics and gynaecology have undoubtedly changed lives.”
Dr Hartman became an alumnus of the University in 1971 and spent the next decade undertaking training and specialist study in Sydney and in Oxford, England. In the 1980s Dr Kartman commenced specialist practice in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. For the next 30 years he worked across public and private hospitals in all areas of women’s reproductive health and pregnancy care.
Dr Hartman’s commitment to high-quality, patient-centred care has extended beyond clinical practice. Following his retirement from clinical practice in 2017, he was appointed Consultant Emeritus at Royal North Shore Hospital and in 2019 as a Member of the Board of Western Sydney Local Health District, further exemplifying his dedication to improving healthcare for all.
He has been a strong advocate for the Mater Hospital North Sydney, where he served as Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and was instrumental in the redevelopment of the hospital as a not-for-profit private facility. For the past 25 years, Dr Hartman has also held the voluntary position of Chairman of The Friends of the Mater Foundation, where he has led hugely successful fundraising campaigns despite limited resources and only one full-time staff member.
Chancellor David Thodey AO and Dr Keith Hartman AM.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Hartman has played a key role in fostering the professional development of future healthcare leaders.
In his final year of study at the University he was honoured by his classmates with the award of the Robin May prize - given for leadership and good fellowship.
He has long since been a supporter of the University of Sydney, having served on the Council of the Medical Alumni Association and organizing reunions for his class. His passion for education was also evident in his role teaching medical students and registrars throughout his career.
Dr Hartman’s distinguished service to medicine in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology and his extraordinary contribution to the development of the Mater Hospital were also recognised in the Queen’s Birthday 2012 Honours list, when he was made a Member of the Order of Australia.