1986
CITATION
Dr Arden came to Brisbane in 1938 to become the Superintendent of the Brisbane Children's Hospital, a post he held until 1943, during which time he introduced a number of clinical innovations. During the war years, when medical manpower was concentrated in the fighting forces, he was one of two full-time medical officers at the Brisbane Children's Hospital and was one of a very small group of clinical teachers in the new medical course.
After retiring from the Superintendency of the Brisbane Children's Hospital, Or Arden remained on the visiting staff and continued as Senior In-Patient Physician at the Hospital between 1947 and 1972. In the early 1960s, he established the now major Department in Oncology.
Dr Arden, a foundation member of the 7-person Advisory Committee on Paediatric Studies, had remained a member between 194 7 and 1960, and so was one of the architects of paediatric teaching today.
His substantial involvement in professional activities was recognised by his peers as providing a shining example of community service. In 1950, he became a foundation member of the Australian Paediatric Association and was National President in 1974. He was President of the Queensland Branch of the BMA in 1954. He has had major involvements with the Tufnell Home, the St Vincent's Home and other children's homes. He has been involved in groups such as Life Line, and has provided very considerable support for the Christian Medical College at Vellore in India. Dr Arden's eminent service to medicine and his work as a distinguished physician, have been recognised by the award of Father of the Year in 1983 and the CBE in 1984.
The Committee resolved to recommend - that Dr Felix Wilfrid Arden, CBE, MD(Adel), FRCP(London), FRACP, be awarded the degree of Doctor of Medicine, honoris causa.