Former station doctor on Macquarie Island, James Doube, received the Antarctic Medal at a ceremony at Government House in Adelaide today.

Dr Doube’s award for outstanding service to the Australian Antarctic program was announced in 2012 by the Governor-General, Her Excellency, Quentin Bryce AC CVO.

At a special investiture ceremony this morning, Dr Doube received the medal from His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR, Governor of South Australia, Dr Doube’s home state.

Between 2006 and 2012, he filled multiple roles — station doctor, search and rescue leader, field training officer and watercraft operator. He also served two back-to-back seasons from 2006 to 2008, and again from 2009 to 2011 — unusually long stints for he which he volunteered.

It is rare for an Antarctic medical practitioner to be assigned over such an extended time, let alone for outstanding service to be sustained at a superior level across so many aspects of an annual Antarctic program.

Dr Doube’s exceptional level of skill across a variety of disciplines including generalist medicine, expedition medicine, public health and occupational medicine led to his recognition for nomination for an Antarctic Medal.

He has contributed individually and as a team member to the fabric and success of each voyage and expedition in which he has been involved, and has been an inspiration to other doctors in the practice of remote medicine.

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