Former ADF health commander helps fight COVID war at ANU
We need people to get vaccinated when they are eligible. After all, it's the only way we are going to learn to live with this virus and win this war.
When Tracy Smart finished up in her role as Surgeon General of the Australian Defence Force in late 2019, she had no idea what the next chapter of her life might look like.
That was until Tracy answered the call of The Australian National University (ANU) to assist with its COVID-19 response as the first ANU Professor of Military and Aerospace Medicine. Professor Smart hit the ground running, setting up the University's COVID Response Office.
There is not much about the pandemic that has surprised Tracy, except the global effort to produce COVID-19 vaccines and the subsequent roll outs.
"What has been a very pleasant surprise is how quickly new technology has been deployed to develop so many effective and safe vaccines," Tracy says.
"I was incredibly excited to receive my first AstraZeneca vaccination in May, but equally incredibly surprised that so many people seem vaccine hesitant or complacent."
For this reason, Tracy's primary focus and that of the COVID Response Office has now shifted to encouraging people in the ANU community to get vaccinated.
"I encourage everyone to think of their loved ones and their fellow Australians, to reduce risk of this insidious virus spreading through the community.
"We need people to get vaccinated when they are eligible. After all, it's the only way we are going to learn to live with this virus and win this war."
During her 35 years of service, Tracy served in a variety of tactical, operational and strategic roles and developed a broad range of skills in everything from aerospace medicine, public health, mental health and health leadership. Tracy participated in overseas deployments to Rwanda, Timor Leste and the Middle East. She also undertook exchange tours with the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force.
Reflecting on these experiences, Tracy feels that her broad skill set prepared her perfectly for her role at ANU - but, even more importantly, it also helped her transition to civilian life.
"Many veterans feel a profound sense of loss of purpose when they leave full time service. Ensuring that Australia's national university remained COVID-Safe, responsive and resilient made my transition seamless and rewarding."
Got a question about COVID-19? Ask Tracy and the COVID Response Office.
