Dr Joseph Feldman
Dr Feldman is a distinguished medical professional and in 2006 received the Order of Australia for service to medicine and community, particularly the development of emergency treatment programs. Born in 1949 to parents who had survived the Nazi Holocaust, Dr Feldman immigrated to Australia at an early age. In 1973 he graduated from Monash University with a MB.BS (Honours) and commenced post graduate training in anaesthesia at Prince Henry’s Hospital. Here he assisted in disaster planning.
After the 1983 election, Dr Feldman became Bob Hawke’s personal physician, a role which he held throughout Bob Hawke’s time as Prime Minister. This position involved the medical care of the Prime Minister and his official party on their overseas trips. In preparation, Dr Feldman developed a paramedical training program for the Australian Federal Police accompanying the Prime Minister and a protocol for the appropriate responses to a wide range of medical scenarios. These set the world benchmark for a comprehensive medical emergency plan for VIP travel.
Over thirty separate trips, he visited fifty different countries, including remote or third world areas. As the unofficial photographer for Bob Hawke’s travelling party, Dr Feldman amassed a number of photographs taken in China and Gallipoli. During this period, he developed close relationships with officials from various government departments, police and security organisations; and was often sought for consultation by Australian embassy officials, as well as foreign dignitaries and officials.