In presenting Professor Davis with his award, Health Minister Daniel Andrews praised his 35-year association with the Royal Melbourne Hospital, which has taken him from a young intern to his current roles as Director of Neurology, Divisional Director of Neurosciences, Head of the Stroke Care Unit and Chairman of the hospital’s medical advisory committee. Professor Davis established the hospital’s Stroke Care Unit, last year developed the hospital’s Code Stroke to streamline the admission of acute stroke patients and was one of the driving forces in establishing the Stroke Society of Australasia. “Professor Davis’s opinion is eagerly sought and he leads a highly successful stroke research program that is recognised both nationally and internationally,” Mr Andrews said. “However it is not only length of service or positions of responsibility that define him but his outstanding commitment to and passion for his patients, for the hospital he feels so proud of, its vital role in caring for the community and his belief in the importance of educating, training and mentoring the young, who will ultimately continue his work.”