The South Australian Regional Committee of the Faculty of Anaesthetists, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, under the Chairmanship of Dr Ron Waterhouse, established a fund in 1974 for the purpose of inviting a series of Professors of Anaesthesia to Adelaide for up to four weeks every three years.

The professor was to be chosen on their wide academic and practical interests, and would attend theatre sessions, seminars and social occasions. It was also hoped they would stimulate research, help with teaching, and take part in hospital meetings.

The fund was set up by contributions from Fellows of the Faculty, Fellows of the College and commercial firms and the Professor was to be known as the "Burnell-Jose Visiting Professor" in honour of two people.

DR MARY BURNELL was Emeritus Anaesthetist, Adelaide Children's Hospital, and Honorary Consultant Anaesthetist, Royal Adelaide Hospital. She was a Foundation Fellow of the Faculty of Anaesthetists, a Member of the Court of Examiners, Member of the Board from 1956-57, Vice Dean 1965-66, and Dean 1966-67. She was also President of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists in 1953.

SIR IVAN JOSE who became President of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons from 1955-57, was a member of College Council at the time the English Faculty was established. He and Harry Daly visited England in 1949 and had discussions with English Board members. On their return, they had discussions with Mary Burnell in Adelaide, following which Sir Ivan recommended to Council that the Australian Faculty be formed. The first Board of Faculty meeting was in 1951, and the first general meeting of 48 foundation Fellows was held in 1952.