Tarun is a public health physician and experienced administrator. He serves on the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Board, is deputy Chair of the PathWest Board, and recently completed a four-year term as President of the Public Health Association of Australia. As Chief Health Officer in Western Australia (WA) from 2008 to 2018, he oversaw the Office of Population Health Genomics, and the development of the first WA Rare Diseases Strategic Framework (2015-2018). He developed a strong appreciation of the importance of consumer, carer and civil society organisations in rare disease advocacy, and encouraged colleagues nationally and internationally to see rare diseases as an important public health issue. As a member of the RVA Board, he is looking forward to hearing directly the voices of people living with rare diseases, contributing to good governance, and promoting innovative rare disease policy. The ultimate goal being improved health care access, and a closing of the gap between research and better patient and carer experiences and outcomes.
