Des Gorman honoured with Wyland Award

Dive Pacific founder Dave Moran was proud to present the Wyland Award to the family of Emeritus Professor Des Gorman, days before the one year anniversary of the medical pioneer's passing.

"It was an honour, and very rewarding, to present this award to Des' lovely family," says Dave, who created Dive NZ magazine - now Dive Pacific - in 1990.

What is the Wyland Award?

The Wyland Award recognises individuals or groups who have dedicated significant personal time and effort to benefit the diving community and marine conservation. They are the unsung heroes who make their mark and make a difference for the better.

In 1999, Dave teamed up with Sir Peter Blake to persuade celebrated American marine life artist and conservationist. Robert Wyland to paint a mural on the Maritime Museum. Dave and Wyland together created the Wyland Award.

About Des Gorman

An alumnus of Waipapa Taumata Rau, Des began his career as an associate professor in occupational medicine at the University of Auckland School of Medicine in 1995 before being promoted to professor (personal chair). He later took on the role of head of the school of Medicine, the first University of Auckland graduate to hold that role. This was followed by the role of Associate Dean - Health Workforce.

During his early career, Des served in the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal New Zealand Navy. He also worked as the Medical Director of the Royal Adelaide Hospital Hyperbaric Medicine Unit. His extraordinary record of teaching and research in diving and hyperbaric medicine has cemented him as one of the field's most influential figure in modern times. Des' groundbreaking research on the pathophysiology of arterial gas embolism is still cited today.

Des' protege, NOGI award winner, Professor Simon Mitchell, is today regarded as one of the world's top diving physicians - a career Des was very proud to be a part of. 

Among Des' multiple professional and personal achievements, Des founded the 24-hour Diver Emergency Service (DES) in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and the South Pacific. After his retirement, he became an honorary professor and awarded the title of Professor Emeritus. A dedicated family man, Des was committed to his wife Christine, daughters Anna, Sarah and Emily, and his mokopuna.