2017 Distinguished Achievement Award
Professor Nicholas Antic, Repatriation General Hospital

Nick Antic has made an outstanding contribution to clinical sleep research and professional standards in Australia and internationally over the last decade. His clinical research into the role of nurses and general practitioners in the management of sleep apnoea has begun to influence the practice of sleep medicine, globally, allowing greatly improved access and care for patients with this disorder. Nick has received eight NHMRC project grants and published 70 papers and book chapters. He currently leads an Australian NHMRC-funded multicentre, multidisciplinary randomised controlled trial of upper airway surgery for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). It is the first trial of its type in the world, and once completed is likely have a major influence on the management of OSA internationally.

Nick’s contribution to education, professional development and policy at local, national and international levels in sleep medicine is equally impressive. He has supervised and mentored eight physician sleep medicine trainees; and the first Australian sleep nurse practitioner. The weekly multidisciplinary case conference that he has chaired for many years at the Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health is legendary. Many dozens of students and colleagues have benefited not only from the very high standard of his teaching but from his wonderful sense of humour, which sets everyone at ease and ensures an inclusive and collegial environment for discussion and learning. Nick has made an outstanding contribution to professional development in Australia through his many roles in the Australian Sleep Association, including as Board member (2009-present), Chair of the Sleep Laboratory Accreditation Committee (2009-13) and President (2013-15). He successfully chaired a joint ASA/ NATA committee to revise accreditation standards for sleep laboratories, which will serve the Association well for years to come. In recognition of his international leadership and contributions to clinical science he was elected Chairman of the Sleep and Neurobiology Program Committee of the American Thoracic Society in 2013, and has continued to serve on the executive and nominating committees of the Sleep and Neurobiology Assembly since. Nick has been an outstanding communicator and advocate for sleep medicine in Australia. He has given over 15 national and international keynote addresses in the last 5 years alone – injecting his trademark humour at every opportunity but always providing important insights and perspectives. Nick has many distinguished achievements in sleep science and practice to his credit, but none more impressive than his courage and determination to continue to contribute in such a positive fashion as ASA President and committee member throughout his long illness.