This year’s Motor Neurone Disease Association of WA (MNDAWA) President’s Cup was awarded to Professor Samar Aoun, Perron Institute Research Chair in Palliative Care at The University of Western Australia.
The President’s Cup is awarded to an individual or organisation in recognition of service of a meritorious nature or outstanding actions in relation to volunteer work, administrative leadership, or exemplary performance of a specific project or task in any one given year.
Professor Aoun has served on the MNDAWA board for 12 years, including five years as President (2018-2023) and five years as Vice President (2015-2018 and again in 2024).
In addition, she is on the board of MND Australia and was President of MND Australia in 2023.
In addition to her board responsibilities, Professor Aoun has initiated and overseen the development of a number of governance policies and procedures vital for MNDAWA compliance. She has developed and led MND educational programs to regional and rural areas, which was highly commended by health professionals from all disciplines, putting MNDAWA at the forefront of providing education and raising awareness in the field.
Through her work, she has strengthened the relationship of MNDAWA with MND Associations in other States, the peak body MND Australia, the Health Department of WA, the clinical community and the research community, where through national funding, WA clients are included on a national register that will assist in a more person-centred approach to MND care and the identification of national policy priorities. She has overseen the expansion of vital services according to the Association’s strategic plan, including focusing on family carers and developing the online information support toolkit.
Her paid work is her role as Perron Institute Research Chair of Palliative Care at UWA and the Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science. Her research focuses on under-served groups, including people with MND and their family carers, and advocates strongly for person-centred health and social care.
She was awarded the 2023 WA Australian of the Year, which provided a great platform to highlight the plight of the MND community, the need for more palliative care, and the benefit of growing Compassionate Communities to support people with MND and their families. She was also recognised in 2024 with a Lifetime Achievement Award from MND Australia.
Article source: MNDAWA