Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield has been presented with a top award by the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) in recognition of his "outstanding contribution" to the health of the nation.
The leading public health official became a household name this year as a pivotal player in New Zealand's fight against the pandemic. As the public-facing official representing the Government at the once-daily press briefings, Dr Bloomfield largely became the face of the country's COVID-19 response, receiving local and international recognition for his cool, calm and collected demeanour.
In a statement on Wednesday, the NZMA confirmed that Dr Bloomfield had been awarded the Chair's Award at an event in Wellington on Tuesday evening.
"I am truly delighted to present this to Ashley, who as well as being our colleague is a trusted and steadfast health leader," NZMA chair Dr Kate Baddock said.
Dr Bloomfield, who obtained a Master of Public Health degree with first-class honours from the University of Auckland in 1997, has held a number of senior leadership roles within the Ministry of Health and across District Health Boards. He later rose to the helm of the ministry and was appointed Director-General of Health in 2018. He also had a stint at the World Health Organisation's Geneva headquarters between 2010 and 2011, working on non-communicable disease prevention and control.
The Chair's Award is the NZMA's recognition of individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the health of New Zealand. Past recipients include Professor Frank Frizelle, Dr Robin Youngson, Dr Paul Hutchison, Dr Russell Wills, Dr Sharad Paul and Professor Swee Tan.
It has been a whirlwind year for the public official, whose newfound fame has seen his likeness emblazoned on hand-towels, numerous artworks and even the body of one hardcore fan.
Dr Bloomfield is a nominee for the 2021 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Award, alongside the likes of Newshub national correspondent Patrick Gower, infectious disease specialist Siouxsie Wiles and Wellington's famous feline, Mittens.
Earlier this month, he withdrew himself as a candidate for the 2020 New Zealand Television Awards' TV Personality of the Year - arguing that he is a public servant, not a media personality - with the honour going to Seven Sharp's Hilary Barry, .
