Dr Jason Acworth

Director Paediatric Emergency Medicine

Dr Jason Acworth attended BSHS from 1981 to 1985 and was the school captain in 1985. Jason is currently the director of paediatric emergency medicine at the Queensland Children's Hospital. He has been a practicing paediatric emergency physician for 21 years. He is passionate about paediatric research and providing frontline care, saying that "One of the best things about working with children is that you never really have to grow up yourself".

Along with being a well-renowned paediatric emergency physician, Jason has an interest in teaching resuscitation for children. He has played a key role in establishing PREDICT (Paediatric Research in Emergency Departments International Collaborative), a research network aimed at improving emergency care for children and young people. He served as Chair of PREDICT from 2008 to 2009 and continues to work towards translating research outcomes into widespread practice.

Jason has also been a volunteer at APLS (Advanced Paediatric Life Support, Australia) for 20 years and is currently the chair of the organisation. APLS aims to improve the early management of acutely ill and injured children in Australia through the training and education of health care professionals.

During his time at Brisbane State High School, Jason participated in many extracurricular activities including rugby, swimming, cricket and athletics. Jason recalls many fond memories from his five years at the school. He remembers the cries of the State High song and the stomping of feet as the boys and girls athletics team ran a winning lap at QSAC after taking home the premiership.

In his senior year, the speech nights were run by the students. Being the school captain, Jason had the pleasure of being master of ceremonies that evening. He recalls feeling an overwhelming sense of pride standing in front of his teachers and peers, talking about their shared memories through the years.

Jason's advice for graduating students is to be willing to give back to the community with the little time we have in this world.

Written by Prianka Indla*

*NB: This alumni profile was crafted by a State High student as part of the school's student/alumni interview project during the 2021 Centenary celebration.