Barry L. Hicks was born in Adelaide in 1939. Educated at One Tree Hill primary and then the Adelaide Boys High School, he studied medicine at the University of Adelaide. Graduating MBBS in 1961, he did a year as a resident medical officer and then a year in general practice prior to doing his surgical degree. He was granted his fellowship with the College of Surgeons (FRACS) in 1967. After 6 months in India he went to Ethiopia and over the years and in 3 periods worked there for sixteen years. Most of his surgical life in Australia has been spent in Townsville firstly as Director of Surgery and then as General and Thoracic VMO.

He was granted his fellowship in tropical medicine at the founding of the College of Tropical Medicine in Australia (FACTM). He was awarded Queensland Public Hospital Doctor of the Year, in 1995. It reads ‘a humanitarian, scholar, and role model for his younger colleagues’. He was recommended as Australian of the Year in 2004 (an honour which was not his but he was proud to have been recommended for it.)

He is married to Robin, the mother of their 5 children. They also have an adopted Ethiopian son. They have fourteen grand children and many more who call them ´Pa and Grandma.

Barry and Robin Hicks have been involved in Missions work in Ethiopia since 1967.

More about:

• Barry Hicks also a CV
• Robin Hicks