In Episode 20, hosts Stephen Berkeley and Anne Boland engage with Dr. Tilman Ruff, a public health and infectious diseases physician and an Honorary Principal Fellow at the University of Melbourne, Australia. But Dr. Ruff is much more than his titles.
His work and leadership have had, and continue to have, a profound impact on global health and peace. His career includes pivotal contributions to travel medicine, hepatitis B control, immunization, and maternal and child health in Indonesia and the Pacific. He has also held roles with the Australian and New Zealand government aid programs, Burnet Institute, UNICEF, and the WHO.
Dr. Ruff is a past Co-President and Board member of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985. He is also a founding international and Australian chair of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), which received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017 for its groundbreaking efforts to secure a treaty-based prohibition of nuclear weapons.
In recognition of his work, Dr. Ruff received the national honor of Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2012 for his advocacy for nuclear disarmament and public health, and was further honored with the Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2019.
Dr. Ruff shares his journey from his family's harrowing experiences during the world wars to his pivotal role in nuclear disarmament efforts. He discusses his involvement with organizations like the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, which collectively earned two Nobel Peace Prizes. Dr. Ruff also reflects on the balancing act of pursuing a career in medicine and activism, sharing insights into the importance of mentorship, resilience, and the broader implications of his work.
Key moments in the podcast:
01:10 Rapid Fire Questions to get to know Dr Tilman Ruff
03:00 Early Influences: Family and Activism
06:15 First Acts of Resistance
11:52 Choosing Medicine: A Circuitous Path
16:18 Balancing Medicine and Activism
22:59 The Fight Against Nuclear Weapons
36:09 Personal Reflections and Self-Care
44:11 Final Thoughts and Advice
Here is what stays with us from this conversation:
Transforming Personal History into Purposeful Activism
Carrying the legacy of war, displacement, and discrimination across generations
Finding a social conscience through early activism and formative experiences
Turning personal struggles into a lifelong commitment to justice and peace
Seeing activism as a privilege and responsibility
Navigating Life’s Defining Forks with Courage and Conviction
Making pivotal decisions that shape identity and impact
Balancing career ambitions with personal values and family responsibilities
Recognizing non-linear paths as opportunities for deeper growth and integration
Harnessing Expertise and Evidence for Global Change
Using scientific and medical knowledge to drive policy reform
Exposing the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons through credible research
Understanding global health as a pathway to peace and security
Building Movements Through Mentorship, Collaboration, and Collective Action
Learning from mentors who inspire and guide transformative work
Amplifying survivor voices to make the consequences of nuclear war tangible
Mobilizing people to influence policy and create meaningful change
Recognize that small, deliberate steps lead to transformative change
Sustaining Hope, Balance, and Resilience Amidst Global Challenges
Grounding oneself in humour, human connection, and moments of joy
Finding purpose in addressing existential threats like nuclear war and climate change
Cultivating active hope as a force for perseverance and meaningful action
Distinguishing between passive optimism and active problem-solving
What was Mentioned
Tilman Ruff National Portrait Gallery Portrait Stories
Prof Manuel Velasco-Suarez (Maestro):
ICAN
https://www.icanw.org/
https://icanw.org.au/
Margaret J Wheatley’s book “Restoring Sanity: Practices to Awaken Generosity, Creativity, and Kindness in Ourselves and Our Organizations”
Connect with Tilman Ruff
Listen to this podcast on Spotify or Apple or subscribe to it on Substack. We would love it if you would leave us a comment, screenshot the episode and tag us on social, and share this episode with your community so that they can better navigate their forks in the road.
This is an original podcast by Flyntrok. We help organisations, communities and individuals change and adapt to a new world. You will Find Flyntrok on LinkedIn, Instagram and X.
Hosted by Stephen Berkeley and Anne Boland
Produced by Rajeev Nedumaran of Studior.
Music by Damian Smith of Bespoke Music.
Art work by Ben Tibbin of Mozmo Creative and
Social Media Creations by Alana Rauert of Muse Communications.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this episode were those of the hosts and the guest, not of any entity they work for or with.
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