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Monday 7 December 2020 12:32pm

Bruce Smith image 2020Bruce Smith

Bruce Smith, who is retiring as manager of the Otago Medical School, says he is proud to have played his part over a long career.

During his time with the Medical School he has worked with six Deans and three Heads of Department.

His final day will be on December 23 after 46 years 11 months continuous employment with the University.

“I would like to thank the superb and dedicated leaders and academic staff and the equally dedicated teams of professional staff with whom I’ve developed close, respectful, trusting and lasting relationships.

“I consider them not just work colleagues but also friends.”

Bruce started work as a Trainee Technician with the Department of Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine in February 1974.

After qualifying NZCS (Biology) and working as a teaching and research technician for several years he was promoted to Head Technician in 1981. Throughout the following 15 years, the role evolved to be more like a ‘department manager’ (operations, finance, HR) and included supporting the research labs and activities of the academic staff in the department.

Bruce was a member of the Otago University Technicians Association, including as President for 6 years, undertook terms on the General Staffing Committee, Promotions sub-committee, various reviews and working parties such as Full cost recovery for Workshops/ Business Units and a Unit Standard writing project for NZQA. He completed a Diploma in Business Studies (Massey) in 1994.

In 1996, he took the opportunity of a secondment as “Secretary to the Faculty of Medicine” position. When the incumbent chose not to return from maternity leave, Bruce applied for the advertised role and was successfully appointed.

This was the start of the next phase of his career and over the next 24 years his role expanded and developed considerably. It became like that of a general manager with governance and management, finance and HR responsibilities, student cohort planning and tracking. This also involved making and keeping relationships within the University and external organisations such as MCNZ, MOH, MDANZ, DHBs.

Accreditation of the Medical Course and Medical School are critical requirements. Bruce has contributed to four such accreditation reviews by the NZ and Australian Medical Councils and all have been successfully achieved. Bruce credits the hard work of the dedicated team who prepared the latest submission for achieving the maximum accreditation in 2019.

Bruce has worked for Heads of Department: Professors David Stewart, John Campbell, Gil Barbezat and six Deans: Professors John Campbell, Linda Holloway, Don Roberton, Peter Crampton, Barry Taylor and the current dean Rathan Subramaniam.

“The relationship between the dean and the senior manager of the OMS is a critical one. Their personal support has been truly appreciated and they have all been a pleasure to work for.”

Bruce thanked the University of Otago and the Otago Medical School for a long and fulfilling career.

“I am very proud to have played my part over the last 46 years. I wish the Otago Medical School, the whole University and my colleagues and friends the very best for the future.”

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