Emeritus Professor Murray Tilyard has more than 40 years’ experience in general practice, research and health service development. He holds a BSc, MBChB, Diploma in Obstetrics and a Doctor of Medicine. He directed the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners research unit from 1981 until 1993. During this period he supported the development of evidence based clinical practice and produced research across a wide range of general practice topics.

He later led the national programme to create the New Zealand Formulary. This involved a decade of clinical and technical development and the successful establishment of a single trusted prescribing resource for New Zealand clinicians. The first edition was published in 2012. Murray subsequently served as the Formulary’s Chief Executive and Chief Clinical Adviser.

Murray has also been instrumental in establishing the South Link Education Trust, which oversees a range of primary care initiatives and operational entities. His contribution to the sector was recognised in 2025 when he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to health.

Murray brings extensive experience in general practice, governance and national primary care development.