In October 2025, we celebrated and reflected on the incredible career of Professor Denis Spelman as he moves into his well-earned retirement. Denis is truly one of the founding figures of infectious diseases and microbiology in Australia - a visionary whose influence has shaped generations of clinicians, researchers, and educators.
His legacy is woven through the teachings, wisdom and kindness he has shared so generously throughout his career.
Over his decades of service, Denis has trained more than 130 registrars, earning multiple 'Teacher of the Year' awards and becoming the inaugural winner of the 'Allen Yung Award for Excellence in Clinical ID Teaching'. His humility, breadth of knowledge and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on all who’ve had the privilege to work with him.
Back in 2003, Dr Denis Spelman cared for a young woman who tragically passed away from an overwhelming post-splenectomy infection. Her father spoke with Denis after she died and her father asked, “Could this have been prevented? The answer was yes.
Driven by compassion and determination, Denis secured a research grant and founded Spleen Australia, with a vision to prevent such tragedies from happening again. Since then, the service has saved countless lives and improved the health of thousands living without a functioning spleen.
At his retirement speech, Denis reflected on his career and shared that — aside from his family — Spleen Australia was his greatest accomplishment. And we couldn’t agree more.
(Link to origins of Spleen Australia)
Dec 07, 2025