Joe Rotella awarded Associate Professor title

January 17, 2022

Christmas came early for Toxicologist and Emergency Physician, Dr Joe Rotella, after receiving news that he had been awarded the title of Associate Professor (Clinical) from the Department of Critical Care at the University of Melbourne’s Medical School.

Associate Professor Rotella is one of a handful of Emergency Physicians to receive this accolade and the first for the Department of Emergency Medicine at Northern Health.

“A worthy recipient of University of Melbourne recognition!” said Wanda Stelmach, Chief Medical Officer.

“Joe, who I am proud to say was my intern, has been instrumental in setting up and supporting the Toxicology service at Northern Health – a service that in effect supports the northern community, which is close to Joe’s heart,” she added.

A Clinical Toxicologist and Emergency Physician, A/Prof Rotella returned to the ‘Great North’ over a decade after he first walked into the Emergency Department as a 4th year medical student in 2006.

He now works in the Emergency Department and runs the SPECTRE Unit, a novel team aiming to provide care for patients with problems relating to Toxicology, Toxinology, Substance Use, Mental Health and Trauma.

Since growing up in the northern suburbs, A/Prof Rotella has maintained a strong connection to the area and is especially passionate about caring for our diverse community here in the north.

On receiving the new title, A/Prof Rotella said, “It has been an honour to receive this recognition and to represent Northern Health. It is a nod to the innovative and collaborative environment we foster in the north and holds promise for a great future ahead.”