Media Release
Saturday 1 March 2025
Positive Life NSW was saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Dr Nicholas Medland, in the United Kingdom on Friday 21 February.
Dr Nick Medland was an outstanding HIV and sexual health physician, clinical epidemiologist, community GP, researcher and advocate whose empathy and passion for improving the lives of all people living with HIV was evident in a career that spanned over 25 years. The guidance and support that Nick offered to the community of people living with HIV was enormous and will live on in our collective memories.
Nick’s PhD was on the effects of treatment as prevention on the epidemiology of HIV in Australia, and he researched the tracking of the community impact of clinical interventions on infectious diseases transmission, including HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Nick was the Senior Research Fellow in the Surveillance, Evaluation and Research Program at the Kirby Institute at UNSW, a sexual health specialist doctor at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, and the President of the Australian Society of HIV, Sexual Health and Viral Hepatitis Medicine (ASHM).
Previously he had worked in senior roles in US Government PEPFAR HIV/AIDS programs in Vietnam for six years including as the CDC Care and Treatment Lead.
Jane Costello, Positive Life NSW CEO says,
“The void left by Nick’s passing is huge for the broader HIV and sexual health and academic sectors as well as those of us living with HIV who benefitted from his clinical and research expertise, care and support. Nick was a former colleague and close friend known for his incredible generosity with his time. He was always willing to share his knowledge to support and advance community educational and advocacy initiatives. Nick made such a positive impact to so many people’s lives, and his indomitable spirit, enthusiasm and legacy will endure as a testament to his life and work.”
“My first contact with Nick was when he began working as a doctor in Melbourne,” said Gregory Horn, Positive Life NSW Board Member.
“I found in him a most friendly and professional man, ’his blue hair’ added to the feeling that here was a man who was part of the community and so a man I could trust at all levels. I will miss his vast knowledge, wisdom and insights but we are all the better for his life and work.”
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Nick’s partner, their dogs Scruffy and Nugget, family, friends and colleagues.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jane Costello, CEO – 1800 245 677 or email communications@positivelife.org.au
Positive Life NSW is the largest peer-led and run representative body of all people living with HIV in Australia based in NSW. We make a significant contribution to, and positive impact across the spectrum of health and social issues on behalf of all people living with HIV in collaboration with HIV specialist and mainstream services to improve the health and quality of life of all people living with HIV in NSW. We do this through evidence-based health promotion, research, policy advice and peer support.
