Melbourne: Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, 48, is an Australian General Practitioner and a former president of the Australian Medical Association. When he took over unopposed in 2005, he was, at 44, one of the youngest to have held the post.

Haikerwal is also well-known for his contribution to the cause of public health.

Dr Haikerwal was born in Lucknow on December 28, 1960. His  parents were British citizens and he was educated in England. He also began his medical career in that country. He migrated to Australia in 1990 and set up practice in Melbourne.

In September 2008, he was attacked near the Dennis Reserve in Williamstown, Victoria and sustained serious head injuries. The assailants used a baseball bat to brutally beat him up. He had to undergo emergency brain surgery to remove a blood clot. He lost a piece of his brain and spent days learning again how to walk and talk.

Dr Haikerwal is married to a doctor and has three sons. He lists travel, film, cricket, cycling and cookery as his personal interests.