Dr Norman Swan
One of Australia’s first medically qualified journalists
Best known as the host of the 'Health Report', ABC Radio National, NewsRadio’s 'Health Minutes' and ABC Television’s 'Catalyst', Dr Norman Swan is one of Australia’s most recognisable multi-award winning health commentators.
Norman joined the ABC in 1982 as one of the first ever medically qualified journalists in Australia. Named Australian Radio Producer of the Year after just two years, Norman was also awarded a Gold Citation in the United Nations Media Peace Prizes. For his journalism, he was awarded three Walkley National Awards, including the prestigious Gold, as well as two Michael Daly Awards, Australia's top prize for Science Journalism.
One of Norman’s career-defining work was his highly publicised and controversial investigative program on gynaecologist Dr William McBride. Exposing his fraudulent research, Norman’s program shocked the medical industry and forced Dr McBride into de-registration.
In 2004, Norman was the third recipient in history to be awarded the Medal of the Australian Academy of Science. He was also honoured by the Royal College of Physicians of Glasgow as a Fellow. Shortly after in 2006, he was given an honorary Doctorate of Medicine by the University of Sydney during their 150th anniversary.
Norman’s broadcasting experience is extensive. Having been the host of various Australian science and health programs such as ‘Health Report’, ‘Catalyst’, he also created the four-part series on disease and civilisation ‘Invisible Enemies’ for UK Channel 4 and SBS Television, which has since been shown in twenty-seven countries.
Norman co-hosted the ABC social affairs program 'Life Matters' for five years, and makes frequent appearances on 'Late Night Live' and Radio National’s news and current affairs breakfast program. He also manages his own newsletter, The Choice Health Reader, in partnership with CHOICE.
Internationally, Norman was the Australian correspondent for the Journal of the American Medical Association and the British Medical Journal. He is a regular consultant for the World Health Organisation in Geneva, and has also chaired a meeting with the world’s leading Health Ministers in West Africa to pursue evidence-based health policies.