Woman in Medicine Award

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Internationally renowned anaesthetist Professor Kate Leslie is the 2014 winner of the AMA Woman in Medicine Award, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to improving the quality of care for patients in Australia and internationally, and her service to the medical profession.

AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, made the announcement at the AMA National Conference in Canberra.

“Professor Leslie is a leader in every sense of the word,” Dr Hambleton said.

“Not only is she recognised internationally for the contribution she has made to understanding and improving the use of anaesthetics, she is immediate past president of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, is immediate past Chair of the Committee of Presidents of Medical Colleges, has extensive research interests and is directly engaged in teaching the next generation of anaesthetists.”

Professor Leslie has drawn international attention for her investigations into patient awareness during anaesthesia, and research she has been involved in has helped refine the administration of anaesthetics, including through the use of brain monitoring.

“Every year, millions of patients are given anaesthetics, and Professor Leslie’s work has helped make their use safer, with fewer complications and adverse events,” Dr Hambleton said.

Professor Leslie is Head of Research at Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, where she is also staff anaesthetist, has published more than 140 research papers and made more than 170 research presentations.

Dr Hambleton said that, just as impressive as Professor Leslie’s clinical and research achievements has been her contributions to the medical profession, including helping train aspiring anaesthetists and undertaking vital work accrediting the education programs of specialist colleges and hospitals, both in Australia and internationally.

“Professor Leslie’s long list of achievements make her a deserving winner of the AMA Woman in Medicine Award,” he said.