Old Boy Profile

Dale Fisher (1977)

Dale Fisher (1977) is a Senior Consultant in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the National University Hospital, Singapore. During the 2019 - 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, Dale was part of the WHO delegation that visited China to investigate technical aspects of transmission, severity and intervention preventing spread of the emerging virus. The subsequent report outlined how the world could respond to the outbreak but warned that the world was not prepared “in capacity or mindset”. Dale is now well known to the media for accurate and incisive commentary regarding COVID-19 offered through television, radio, print and social media across the globe.

What did you enjoy most about your time at CGS?

Really so much. Being acknowledged as a leader or influencer; Roystead, captain of sporting teams, go to person for many teachers, buddying new students.

Teachers were great; fond memories of Mr Bence in Year 6. We would all get to school early and play handball with made up rules.

Travelling was amazing; from home in Donvale it would be bus, train (to East Camberwell station) and then a bus. Coming home we would get five cents worth of mixed lollies!

I can’t recall the name of the camp, but I can picture it with the flying fox into the dam.

What advice would you give to our Year 12 boys as they embark on life after CGS?

It sounds corny but select a career path that you are good at and like. Your work is a huge percentage of your life. I also say to strive and collect those qualifications. Don’t run out of steam because you are 23 or 24. If you have to keep specialising or collecting achievements until you are 30, then do it because you will be so well positioned for the rest of your life. I also have had a habit of saying yes throughout my career and I am glad. Take risks but not silly ones…risks that are couched within a good decision as well.

What story will your colleagues tell about you at your 50 year CGS reunion?

Actually I would rather listen to what others have been doing. If I am pushed it would be about the weirdness of public health people and infectious disease specialists becoming household names.

What do you enjoy most about your role now?

Influencing is really a privilege and a responsibility. I enjoy the capacity to analyse and give rational advice as well as communicating it well. At least that’s my feedback.

What does the future hold for you both during and post the COVID-19 pandemic?

Well I will stay involved at hospital/ national/international levels trying to turn the response into something a lot more sensible than it is now. After the outbreak the work will take on a new phase of reviews, lessons learnt and future readiness. The COVID work won’t slow for a long time.

Want to know more? Listen to recent interview with Dale on 3AW on the Victorian COVID-19 situation:

Listen here