Infectious diseases physician Dr Duncan McLellan named St John of God Murdoch Hospital’s Doctor of the Year for 2024

11 Dec 2024

Known for his dedication, humility and willingness to support others, Dr McLellan is a trusted figure at St John of God Murdoch Hospital and various other health care institutions across Perth. His peers note few doctors in the region have not sought his advice at some point.

Dr McLellan’s exceptional contributions to the hospital and broader health care community, particularly during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic, earned him this prestigious honour.

St John of God Murdoch Hospital CEO Ben Irish presented the award in front of Dr McLellan’s family and colleagues on Friday night in a celebration by the lake on hospital grounds.

Mr Irish thanked Dr McLellan for his tireless dedication and the impact his professional excellence had made at St John of God Murdoch Hospital and the boarder health care community.

“As a pathologist and infectious diseases specialist, Dr McLellan is truly an unsung hero, working behind the scenes to provide vital diagnoses and guidance that so many depend on,” he said.

“We are incredibly grateful for his contributions and proud to honour him as our 2024 Doctor of the Year.”

A graduate of the University of Western Australia, Dr McLellan began his medical journey with a passion for infectious diseases. His career spans decades, with extensive training in Perth and a fellowship at the University of Tennessee.

In addition to working at St John of God Murdoch Hospital, he serves as the Head of Department of Clinical Microbiology at Western Diagnostic Pathology, and a Consultant Infectious Diseases Physician at Fiona Stanley Hospital.

Beyond his medical achievements, Dr McLellan is known for his diverse interests. A former state tennis champion in his youth, he continues to enjoy tennis, surfing and golf. He even represented St John of God Murdoch Hospital internationally, playing doubles tennis in Prague alongside ICU specialist, Dr Bart de Keulenaer.

Congratulations to Dr Duncan McLellan, St John of God Murdoch Hospital’s 2024 Doctor of the Year!