Emeritus Professor William (Bill) Griggs, AM, ASM, holds an impressive array of qualifications, including an MBBS, a Postgraduate Diploma in Aviation Medicine from Otago, an MBA, and several fellowships including in critical care and anaesthesia.
Bill Griggs is a retired specialist medical practitioner and a seasoned Non-Executive Director with a diverse medical and corporate background.
Additionally, he served as a Group Captain reservist in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), participating in multiple deployments, including the 1991 Gulf War and INTERFET in East Timor. His expertise in aeromedical evacuation has been crucial in coordinating the transport of injured individuals to appropriate medical facilities including responding to both the 2002 and 2005 Bali Bombings as well as to the 2004 Asian Tsunami.
Griggs was the inaugural Director of Trauma Services at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where he enhanced the management of trauma patients through his work in trauma, critical care, and retrieval services. His contributions to the field have been recognized through various accolades, including being named South Australian of the Year in both 2006 and 2009, and receiving the “Keys to the City” of Adelaide in 2006. He was also featured on the cover of the 2010/11 Adelaide White Pages as a "Courageous Australian" and was awarded an honorary Doctorate of the University honoris causa, from the University of Adelaide in 2014.
Currently, he volunteers with St John Ambulance (SA) and the SA Ambulance Service as well as serving as a Non-Executive Director for Return to Work SA, Super SA, Funds SA, and St John Ambulance SA, where he also holds the position of Commissioner. Past non-executive Director roles include for the Motor Accident Commission, Bedford-Phoenix, and PAC.
He was one of the founders of the Australasian Trauma Society serving as President from 2001 to 2003.
Griggs' educational background includes an MBBS from the University of Adelaide, a PGDipAvMed from Otago University, and an MBA from the University of Adelaide, where he was recognized on the Dean’s list. He is a fellow of several prestigious organizations, including the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the College of Critical Care Medicine.
His military service has earned him numerous commendations, including the Chief of Defence Force Commendation for Operation Sumatra Assist, a Royal Australian Navy Commendation for service in the Persian Gulf, and a US Navy Unit Citation for his contributions during the Gulf War.
Through his extensive career, Professor Griggs has made significant contributions to trauma medicine and disaster response demonstrating a lifelong commitment to improving healthcare and emergency services.