A Knight to remember
Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Director of Innovation and Strategy Professor Mohamed Khadra AO is a healthcare trailblazer. His dedicated service to healthcare and the community has now seen him receive one of Lebanon’s highest honours - the Knight’s Medal, awarded by the World Lebanese Cultural Union.
Professor Khadra has devoted his career to advancing healthcare, pioneering surgical innovations and shaping medical education and training services. His exceptional contributions to health have earned him many accolades as a leader in his field and a champion for improving patient care.
Professor Khadra received this latest honour from the World Lebanese Cultural Union, an independent, non-political and non-religious organisation recognised by the Lebanese Republic as the official representative of Lebanese expatriates worldwide. Its mission is to preserve and promote Lebanese heritage, strengthen global community ties, and honour individuals who exemplify integrity, compassion, and service to humanity.
The Knight’s Medal, the Union’s highest distinction, celebrates individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and dedication to their communities and society at large.
At a special awards ceremony, Dr Abraham Constantin, President of the Oceanian Continental Council, presented Professor Khadra with the honour, describing it as “a great privilege to recognise a man who truly embodies the Union’s values.”
“Professor Mohamed Khadra is a distinguished Professor of Surgery whose life’s work has been devoted to healing, teaching, and serving others. I am proud to recognise the Professor with the rank of Knight, in appreciation of his outstanding service to humanity, to his community, and to his country,” said Dr Constantin.
In accepting the award, Professor Khadra explained how humbled he was to receive the honour.
“I want to express my great gratitude to the World Lebanese Cultural Union for this really unexpected award,” said Professor Khadra.
“I am proudly Lebanese and proudly Australian. For all of us migrants, this diaspora means coming to Australia, making it our home, our nation, our culture, while never forgetting and always being proud of where we come from.”
Professor Mohamed Khadra AO
“This is about heritage and being the best of what it is. I thank the Union for preserving that. Everything from our culture, to literature, music and thoughts, and most importantly our approach to humanity and compassion,” continues Professor Khadra.
NBMLHD Chief Executive Brad Astill congratulated Professor Khadra on his prestigious honour and his enduring commitment to improving the health outcomes of the local community.
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of such a prestigious honour. Professor Khadra is a man of unwavering integrity and passion, deeply respected by his colleagues and cherished by his patients. Our Local Health District is fortunate to have a leader so committed to excellence in care and innovation,” said Brad.