Twin careers win honorary doctorate

Distinguished radiologist and musician Dr Harold Fabrikant was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws at a Monash graduation ceremony last week.

After receiving his bachelors degrees in medicine and surgery, Dr Fabrikant trained in radiology at Prince Henry's Hospital, where he later became deputy director of the Department of Radiology.

He also worked in radiology at the Milwaukee Country Medical Complex in the US and the National Hospital for Nervous Disease in London, where he trained in neuroradiology.

He ceased full-time medical work in 1993, but still works part-time at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Monash Medical Centre. He is also an honorary senior lecturer in radiology at Monash.

Dr Fabrikant has also carved out a second successful career in music, specialising in keyboard instruments including the piano, harpsichord and pipe organ.

He has recorded 37 CDs, performed publicly in Australia and internationally, and made frequent broadcast appearances, including more than 50 times on ABC radio.

In addition to his medical writings, Dr Fabrikant has published 21 reviews and articles related to pipe organs and organ music.

He has also published two books, The Harmony of the Soul and Your Ever Faithful Friend, for which he compiled and translated the letters of German composer Sigfrid Karg-Elert.

Chancellor Mr Jerry Ellis and Dr Harold Fabrikant.