Members and guests of the Northern American Australian Lawyers Alliance (‘NAALA’) were this week treated to an intimate discussion with world renowned leading neurosurgeon Major General Professor Jeffrey V. Rosenfeld AC OBE KStJ. Professor Rosenfeld specialises in cerebrovascular surgery (aneurysms, arterio-venous malformations), brain tumour and skull base surgery, minimal access and neuro-endoscopic surgery.

Professor Rosenfeld shared in this discussion from his awe inspiring career spanning the world with particular focus on his early years in neurological surgery at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio in the United States, through to his work in neurosurgery in Iraq with the US Airforce at Camp Anaconda, Balad from 2004 to 2005 and in Combat Hospital Support in 2017. Professor Rosenfeld was awarded the United States Meritorious Service Medal in 2017 for his service in Iraq.

Professor Rosenfeld has delivered neurosurgical treatment to civilians and both ally and adversary combatants, in a single hospital, in multiple war zones across the globe. He has continually brought order to chaos with the primary goal of healing above all else. In doing so Professor Rosenfeld has and continues to be a champion of the alliance between Australians and Americans, but reminds us always of the importance of developing and improving relations with our friends across all nations.

In spirit of the strength of connection between Australia and the United States, Professor Rosenfeld took members and guests on a journey through history to the first time a foreigner ever commanded the US military; Sir John Monash, an Australian, in 1918. He spoke of this meticulously planned battle which Sir John committed to lasting no more than 90 minutes. The battle was won in 93 minutes. Order from chaos, not dissimilar to the work of Major General Professor Rosenfeld.

NAALA formally welcomed their newest members on this evening alongside honouring Professor Rosenfeld with a surprise pre-congratulatory award on Australian soil in recognition of his receiving the Rekate HH Pioneer award due in Washington D.C. in September. Before heading to the States to receive this award, together with Professor Bruce “Ossie” Oswald, Professor Rosenfeld will be addressing a further evening hosted by NAALA, “Medicine, Military and the Law”, at the Melbourne Law School on 27 August 2019 from 6pm to 7pm.

Should you have any questions relating to this information or require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Meghan Warren of Burke & Associates Lawyers today. Meghan is admitted to practice law in both Australia and the United States and is the head of our Medical and Health Professionals, Commercial, Business and Disputes practices at Burke & Associates Lawyers. You can contact her on +61 3 9822 8588 or mwarren@burkelawyers.com.au